Grantham Urgent Treatment Centre Downgrade Sparks Fresh Calls for Review
Councillor cites high patient numbers and long travel times as reasons to reinstate full A&E
Health bosses are facing renewed pressure to review their decision to downgrade Grantham’s Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) from a full accident and emergency department, after new figures highlighted a surge in demand for services.
South Kesteven councillor Charmaine Morgan says data obtained through a Freedom of Information request shows more than forty six thousand people attended Grantham UTC last year, with thousands needing to be transferred to other hospitals for further treatment.
She argues this suggests the current UTC setup is falling short of local needs, particularly for lower income families who are forced to travel further for urgent care.
Councillor Morgan also raised concerns about the impact on vulnerable patients, saying the lack of a full A&E at Grantham is leading to delayed treatment and added costs for those who struggle with transport.
She is calling on health chiefs to reconsider their decision and look at boosting services, including out-of-hours transport options for those sent elsewhere.
Responding to the calls, NHS leaders say the decision to establish the UTC was made after extensive public consultation and that the centre offers 24/7 access to urgent care.
They insist most patients are assessed and treated within four hours, and that the service meets local needs.
The debate has been reignited by resident David Fowler, who submitted the FOI after his own family used the UTC and was surprised by how busy it was.
He praised the care received, but questioned whether Grantham should have a full accident and emergency department once again.