Yeovil Hospital in Somerset has unveiled a brand-new urgent treatment centre (UTC) designed to speed up care for patients with non-life-threatening medical issues. This initiative aims to reduce waiting times in the emergency department by directing patients to the most appropriate service upon arrival.
The hospital’s emergency department has been restructured so that patients enter through the same main entrance but are triaged by a nurse immediately. Depending on the severity of their condition, patients will be guided either to the emergency department for serious cases—such as chest pain, strokes, severe bleeding, breathing difficulties, or burns—or to the adjacent UTC for urgent but less critical issues like sprains, minor head injuries, infections, and cuts.
Katy Sizer, manager of the emergency department and same day emergency care service at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, explained, “Our new urgent treatment centre at Yeovil Hospital is designed to get patients with non-life-threatening conditions seen more quickly, which helps reduce wait times, especially when emergency cases demand prioritisation.”
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Although no additional staff have been added, she noted that reorganising the department layout and creating extra space allows hospital teams to better meet patient demand. Dr Joby Kotoor, lead emergency department consultant, emphasized the importance of the change during busy periods. “Yeovil’s emergency department is often very busy, especially during winter months. This new UTC helps ensure patients receive the right care with minimal delays,” he said.
The UTC at Yeovil Hospital follows the model used by six other urgent treatment centres and a minor injuries unit in Somerset. Dr Kotoor reassured patients there is no change to how they access services; all will continue to use the same front entrance and be triaged on arrival. “Patients may be directed to the urgent treatment centre where they’ll be treated by qualified practitioners skilled in managing urgent but less critical cases,” he explained.
He also urged the public to continue using NHS 111 for medical advice and guidance. “For non-emergency situations, NHS 111 can direct patients to the appropriate urgent treatment centre or minor injuries unit, now including Yeovil. Pharmacies and GP practices also remain valuable first points of contact for common ailments,” Dr Kotoor added.
The hospital expressed gratitude to numerous departments involved in the successful relocation and redevelopment of the facility, including trauma and orthopaedics, cardiology, clinical coding, and digital services. Their collaboration was essential in bringing the new centre to life and improving patient care pathways at Yeovil Hospital.