Corby's Urgent Treatment Centre: A Game-Changer for Healthcare Access
A woman's praise for Corby's UTC highlights a revolutionary approach to healthcare.
By Katy Prickett and Nikki Fox, Corby
A heart condition, previously undiagnosed, was detected at the Corby Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) in Northamptonshire, thanks to its dedicated staff. This is just one of the many success stories emerging from the not-for-profit company DHU Healthcare's management of the centre since November. Since then, nearly 18,000 patients have been treated, potentially saving them a trip to A&E.
Christine Baaki, a 55-year-old asthma sufferer, praised the UTC, stating, "It's a great place to get well." She shared how a previous visit led to the discovery of her heart condition, which had eluded other doctors. "I have PAH (pulmonary arterial hypertension), and it was here that they found it last year." Baaki now receives care from a specialist heart hospital.
Baaki, who resides near Northampton, expressed her preference for the UTC over her nearest A&E department. "I'd rather drive an hour to the UTC than wait up to 14 hours at A&E." She emphasized the longer wait times at A&E, stating, "It's too long, and you're more likely to pick up bugs."
The Corby UTC is not for routine GP appointments or emergency help, clarifies advanced clinical practitioner Rob Bradley. "We're here for urgent treatment, from sore throats to chest infections." The centre is equipped to take blood, perform D-dimer and troponin tests, conduct X-rays, and provide plastering services.
Upon arrival, patients are allocated a time to see a clinician. If there's a wait, they can leave and return at their appointment time. Bradley, who previously worked at Kettering General Hospital's A&E department for 13 years, finds the UTC to be a "much more efficient" way of treating patients.
"Another amazing aspect of the UTC is that if you call 111, they can book you an appointment and you should be seen within 10 to 15 minutes of that appointment," he said.
The centre treated 9,070 patients in December, up from 8,674 in November, according to DHU Healthcare. Asun Valle, clinical services lead, highlighted the centre's impact, stating, "We can see from 250 to close to 400 patients a day."
She added, "Imagine if each county had an urgent treatment centre, where they can do point-of-care testing and X-rays. It would certainly help to release the pressure from the A&Es."
Jeremy Lane, 72, traveled from Market Harborough for treatment after tripping on a paving slab the previous day. "This is a lot quicker and more efficient," he said. Within an hour and a half, he was seen and referred directly to an orthopaedic department for further treatment of a dislocated carpometacarpal joint.
Lane concluded, "I think there ought to be more of them in towns, especially with the growth of houses and the population. So, I think it's a good idea."
What do you think? Would you prefer a UTC over your nearest A&E? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
