Hartlepool hospital urgent care boost is hailed - now get A&E back next

NHS Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees Clinical Commissioning Group has ruled that urgent care services will be delivered from the University Hospital of Hartlepool rather than the One Life facility in Park Road.

The boost comes hot on the heels of a high court win which safeguarded the future of fertility services - despite North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust saying it did not want to continue the service.

Mail readers say the decision is a much-needed ‘step in the right direction’ - but are now calling for an A&E presence to be shifted back to the town from the University Hospital of North Tees.

Ian Saunders led the rallying cry on our Facebook page, writing: “It’s definitely a step in the right direction, now bring back our A&E.

“You know it makes sense.”

Pauline Brown added: “Good news, we really need full A&E. We also need more wards open.”

Kimberley Speechly Ondo backed the services switch, but was also quick to praise the standard of care provided by staff at the One Life walk-in centre.

She wrote: “I’ve had good medical care this year from the doctors at One Life, especially late in the day when my GP has been closed, so I can’t fault them and as long as ‘Urgent Care’ remains in Hartlepool all the better.

“If it helps keep our hospital open better still.”

Caroline Armstrong was keen to temper the enthusiasm while supporting the return of much-needed health services.

She stated: “We need wards back to support the urgent care centre.

“While it is good news regarding health care provision in Hartlepool, it’s merely a transfer of service from one building to another - not A&E and still no wards.”

Steven Chase was also in favour, adding; “About time. I hope they open A&E, North Tees is a nightmare to travel to.”