Newark and Sherwood District Council asks all residents to voice their opinions regarding the future of Newark’s Hospital urgent care centre opening hours future
The District Council is asking all residents to have a say in the future of Newark urgent care services.
Residents are given the opportunity to voice their opinions regarding the urgent treatment centre’s opening hours at Newark Hospital.
The NHS survey gives residents a chance to help shape the future opening hours of this service. It will remain open until October 17.
The UTC used to operate a 24-hour service but it was reduced to operating from 9am to 10pm in March 2020.
“We all deeply care about the health and wellbeing of the district’s residents. We are committed to ensuring we get the very best healthcare in Newark and we will do all we can to ensure that happens,” said councillor Susan Crosby, portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and leisure at Newark and Sherwood District Council.
She added: “Some feel, including myself, that the cessation of the overnight service during the pandemic has left our community in a vulnerable position and ideally residents requiring immediate urgent care should not have to do this outside their hometown.
“While the District Council cannot directly affect the services the NHS delivers, I am committed to pushing as hard as I can, to ensure it delivers the right services in Newark.
“I want the NHS to listen to what our residents are saying and therefore, it really is important that as many local people as possible complete this survey so that the NHS fully understands how vital our urgent care overnight services are to us all.”
Over the years, Newark Hospital has expanded the range of services and procedures available to residents during the day.
Services will continue to be extended with the creation of a new theatre and recovery area as well as the development of two minor operation suites.
“We all agree that the NHS do an amazing job, working hard day in, day out serving people up and down our country and while I am delighted that the hospital will be expanding its daytime provision and car park soon, I believe there still needs to be more, including the return of an emergency overnight provision, at Newark Hospital for our community,” added Susan.
The NHS is running public events, which people can register online to attend via the NHS website.
The first event is taking place tomorrow, September 26 from 10am to 11am at Farndon Community Centre, Marsh Lane, Farndon.
On Wednesday, October 4 from 6.30 to 7.30pm is an online session via Microsoft Team.
On Thursday, October 12 from 11am to noon at Muskham Rural Community Centre, North Muskham.
The last session is on October 14, from 10am to 11am via Microsoft Teams.