Yeovil Hospital in Somerset has introduced a new urgent treatment centre (UTC) designed to reduce waiting times and improve patient flow in its emergency department. The UTC, located adjacent to A&E, is part of a restructuring effort to better manage demand by triaging patients upon arrival and directing them to the most appropriate care service.
All patients will continue to enter the hospital through the same main entrance, where a nurse will assess the seriousness of their condition. Those with emergency issues such as chest pain, strokes, severe bleeding, or serious burns will be treated in the A&E department. Meanwhile, the new UTC will focus on urgent but less critical cases including sprains, minor head injuries, infections, and cuts.
Katy Sizer, Emergency Department and Same Day Emergency Care Service Manager at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, explained, “The urgent treatment centre allows us to see patients with non-life-threatening conditions more quickly, easing the pressure on our emergency teams who need to prioritize serious emergencies.” She highlighted that although no additional staff have been added, the new layout and extra space will help the hospital meet rising demand more effectively.
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Dr Joby Kotoor, lead emergency consultant at Yeovil Hospital, emphasized the importance of the change, especially during busy periods like winter. “The UTC model, similar to other centres in Somerset, ensures patients receive timely care and reduces delays,” he said. Dr Kotoor also reminded the public to use NHS 111 for initial advice and to consider visiting local pharmacies or contacting GP practices for common minor ailments before going to the hospital.
The hospital extended appreciation to multiple departments involved in making the new UTC possible, including trauma and orthopaedics, cardiology, and digital services, among others, for their support during the redevelopment.