New same-day treatment centre hoped to create more appointments in Rutland

Councillors have been updated on a new same-day treatment centre for Rutland – ahead of its launch in April.

Charlotte Summers, who is a transformation manager for Leicestershire and Rutland’s Integrated Care Board, said this new way of working would mean more appointments available for people in Rutland.

But she told the latest Rutland Health and Wellbeing Board meeting that this increased capacity would need to be used if the scheme was going to deliver value for money.

Councillors were told that the new minor injuries and illness unit would operate out of Rutland Memorial Hospital seven days a week between 1pm and 9pm.

The majority of appointments will be booked through 111 or a GP – but there will be some limited walk-in spots.

Walk-in patients will be given an appointment later the same day, the meeting was told.

Under previous arrangements, there was an urgent care centre – which was open at evenings and weekends – and a minor injuries unit. The new unit will combine and expand this offering.

X-ray appointments will also be available at the new unit three days a week.

Rutland County Council’s planning committee is due to consider proposals for refurbishing Rutland Memorial Hospital in the coming weeks. This will include the area the new combined service will occupy.

The council’s budget for 2026/27 has also set aside £400,000 for the provision of new X-ray equipment, although this is yet to be rubber stamped.

The meeting was told that the unit would not be an emergency service like A&E, which provided urgent medical care for serious injuries and life-threatening conditions.

The facility will instead provide nurse-led non-urgent medical care for minor injuries and illnesses.

For these non-life threatening emergencies like cuts, sprains and strains, residents should first contact their GP or 111 either by phone or online, the meeting was told.

They will then be given an appointment at the new unit if needed.

For life-threatening emergencies like strokes and heart attacks, residents should dial 999.

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