31 August 2012

A consultation has been launched this week on the development of a new integrated urgent care centre at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

The new GP commissioners, NHS Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), working together with NHS South of Tyne and Wear - on behalf of Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust - have launched the consultation.

According to the proposal, a new 24-hour urgent care centre will be developed at Sunderland Royal Hospital, leading to the closure of the minor injury and illness unit at Grindon Lane Primary Care Centre.

Grindon Lane Primary Care Centre will remain open and continue to provide a range of health services.

In addition, a new GP-led minor injury and illness unit will be developed at Houghton Primary Care Centre. This will ensure more equitable access to urgent and emergency care services across the city.

Minor Injury and Illness services will also continue to be provided at Bunny Hill Primary Care Centre and Washington Primary Care Centre.

Dr Ian Pattison, Chair of Sunderland CCG and a local GP said;

“Opening a new minor injury and illness unit at Houghton Primary Care service will ensure that local people have better access to treatment for minor ailments than they do at the moment. It’s a priority for the CCG to ensure that we provide equal access to these types of services across the city of Sunderland.”

Dr Iain Gilmour, Vice-chair or Sunderland CCG and urgent care lead said;

“We are committed to delivering excellent health outcomes for our patient population. Whatever the need, whatever the location, we want to make sure that people get the right care, from the right person, in the right place at the right time.”

Patients and the general public can have their say about the proposal by completing a questionnaire which is available at www.sotw.nhs.uk/yoursay/consultations or by calling 0191 529 7038. They are also encouraged to attend one of the public meetings being held across the city. The consultation closes on 30th November 2012.