NHS reduces Central Middlesex Urgent Treatment Centre without notice

 

 

The above notice shared on Facebook is the first most of the public will have learned that the NHS NWLondon University Healthcare had implemented their plan to reduce the hours of Central Middlesex Urgent Treatment Centre by 21 hours a week. The notice reverts to the old name of 'Urgent Care' and calls it a Department - whether that is actually a change of name or just another example of their  carelessness is unclear.

 

The website for the UTC (they still called it that) just accessed, has the old opening hours with a footnote that they have been confirmed today! LINK

 

Today, a day after its implementation yesterday, the LNWH NHS website carried a news story about the earlier closing time:

 

 

The Urgent treatment centre at Central Middlesex Hospital has new opening hours. It is now open from 8am to 9pm, with the last patient registered at 8pm.

A recent review of our urgent care services found that the centre saw an average of only four patients per hour between 9pm and midnight. We found that many of these patients could have received appropriate treatment or advice from their GP or a high street pharmacist.

Also, radiology services (X-ray, ultrasound, etc) at Central Middlesex Hospital are not available after 8pm. This is because low patient numbers and a limited workforce make allocating staff to radiology services after 8pm an inefficient use of resources. However, this did mean that some of the patients who attended the Urgent Treatment Centre after 9pm had to attend another centre or to return for care the following day.

We gave local people an opportunity to share their views on the new opening hours through online and in-person public events and an online questionnaire. These did not result in any substantial or widespread objections. 

Therefore, to optimise the service the opening times have now changed from 8am to midnight, to 8am to 9pm. The centre remains open seven days a week and there is no change to our process if someone visits the site while seriously unwell. Our 24/7 critical outreach team will still look after them until they can be transferred to an appropriate setting.

Our Urgent treatment centres provide medical care when it is not critical or life threatening for people of all ages. It's important to get the right care in the right place. If you're feeling unwell and not sure where to go call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk when you need medical help fast. Our website also has information and advice if you're not sure where to go.

I highlight the above quote as it contains no verifiable information, no link to results, and no figures. It is of the same ilk as the non-consultation on the Northwick Park Hydrotherapy Pool. It of course pretends not to have heard about the 570 signature petition presented to Brent Council Scrutiny Committee calling for an urgent meeting of the Committee to investigate the Trust's plans. A call adroitly and complacently kicked into the long grass by Committee Chair Cllr Ketan Sheth as being on his 'radar'. If radar worked like that many ships would have been sunk and aircraft blown up by the enemy.

 

Meanwhile, many would be patients will be turning up at the UTC to find its doors closed.

 

It really seems that without democratic oversight the local NHS treats the people of Brent  with contempt - aided by Brent Scrutiny Committee. 

 

Standby for more slicing away of services at Central Middlesex Hospital. Is it earmarked for future housing development?