Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness – which includes Withernsea and the surrounding communities – has added his voice to those welcoming a long sought-after improvement to healthcare provision in Withernsea.
The local Member of Parliament has been campaigning for the situation to improve since the closure of the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) in the town in March 2018, along with local Ward Councillors Lyn Healing, Dave Tucker and Paul Whitehead.
The MIU was replaced by an appointment-only ‘8-to-8’ Centre, with residents instructed to call NHS 111 to arrange an appointment – scrapping the provision of local walk-in treatment. But the centre has been plagued with issues since its introduction; with NHS 111 operators being unaware of its existence when referring patients.
From next Monday, patients in Withernsea and the surrounding area can call their GP on 03333 324242 and will be given the option to press 4 to redirect them to a triaging service for minor injuries. A local clinician – rather than a central NHS 111 operator – will then be able to offer advice and support either online or over the phone.
The clinician will be able to direct the patient to Withernsea Hospital for same-day treatment, or otherwise direct them to Beverley Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) or Hull Royal Infirmary (HRI), depending on the severity of the injury.
Crucially, anyone with an HU19 postcode will be offered a free taxi service to the nearest UTC if they have no other means of transport.
Welcoming the news, Graham said, “I hope this step will make a significant difference to the people of Withernsea when they’re looking for quick and convenient treatment for their cuts, bumps, burns and sprains.
“It was clear from my constituents getting in touch that the 8-to-8 service hasn’t been working from the very outset. That’s why I’ve been continually pressing local health bosses to recognise that their experiment failed and to listen to the community’s concerns.
“You can’t have a service that puts people through the rigmarole of answering question after question only to be told the same thing every time: get yourself to Beverley, Hull or Bridlington to be seen there. It’s all very well and good for people with cars, but many in Withernsea need treatment on their doorstep.
“Although you could get a taxi service before, it wasn’t made clear enough by NHS 111 operators who didn’t know anything about services in the area.
“To give the CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) credit, they have been much more active in listening to local concerns since Emma Latimer came on board last November, while Holderness Health and local Ward Councillors Healing, Tucker and Whitehead have also championed improvements.”
Graham is due to Chair a meeting with the CCG, local councillors, Holderness Health and the City Health Care Partnership on 2nd October about healthcare provision in Withernsea.
People whose condition turns out to be more complex than originally thought will receive immediate treatment in Withernsea before being sent to the nearest Urgent Treatment Centre or, if necessary, HRI for the rest of their care.
Patients with chronic wounds requiring dressing should continue to contact their healthcare professional on 01482 247111 for an appropriate treatment room appointment at Withernsea Hospital.
