Construction has started this week on a new Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at the Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath, addressing longstanding concerns about overcrowding and pressure on emergency services. The £12 million facility will be housed in a purpose-built building separate from the current emergency department, where the UTC is presently based.
The new centre aims to streamline patient care by reducing waiting times and offering quicker access to specialised treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses – such as broken fingers or deep cuts.
John Palmer, managing director at the RUH, described the start of construction as a “major milestone” in the hospital’s ongoing efforts to enhance urgent and emergency care services. He explained that relocating the UTC out of the emergency department will free up critical space, allowing clinical teams to focus more effectively on seriously ill and injured patients.
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He added: “This development is about much more than a new building; it represents a transformation in how we deliver high-quality care from the moment patients arrive at our front door. Investing in our estate is central to improving access and treatment efficiency.”
The impetus for the project follows a Care Quality Commission (CQC) report highlighting risks due to overcrowding, including blocked fire escapes and impacts on critical areas like the children’s resuscitation room. At that time, the RUH acknowledged unprecedented demand levels and committed to improvement plans, including the establishment of a new UTC.
In response, RUH has introduced a number of measures, such as increasing senior clinical decision-makers overnight, enhanced security, and working closely with mental health services to ensure patients receive appropriate care. Collaboration with the national Getting it Right First Time programme has led to refreshed internal professional standards.
The hospital’s statement also acknowledged staff dedication, particularly in caring for patients with autism and learning disabilities, and highlighted positive performance indicators such as management of unplanned reattendances and timely escalation of critical conditions.
Despite experiencing record high demand, including a 25% year-on-year rise in ambulance arrivals and increased Emergency Department footfall, the RUH is confident that these initiatives will help avoid corridor care during the upcoming winter. The Trust anticipates being among the most improved nationally against the four-hour emergency department target.
Looking ahead, the new UTC is expected to open by late December, with the current centre operating alongside it until then. Plans are also underway for a comprehensive rebuild of the Emergency Department over the next three years.
The RUH extended thanks to all staff and partnering organisations including South West Ambulance Service Trust, Avon and Wiltshire Partnership, and the Integrated Care Board for their support in driving these improvements forward.