THE new-look Urgent Care Centre at Trafford General Hospital is working well, with an average of 200 patients a day using the service, say health bosses. 

The Trafford Urgent Care Centre and Walk-in Centre joined forces last October with a single ‘front-door’ and single assessment process.

The new-look service, open 8am – 8pm seven days a week, is staffed by a team that includes a consultant nurse, GPs, and advanced and emergency nurse practitioners.  It provides an emergency service for a wide range of injuries and illnesses.

Despite these assurances from health chiefs, a petition to Parliament, calling for a fully operational accident and emergency department to be reintroduced at Trafford General Hospital, has been backed by nearly 4,000 people.

Dr Jon Simpson, clinical head of medicine and community services at Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT), said of the Urgent Care Centre: “This enhanced model of care provides patients with a safe and effective service that meets their urgent care needs.

"Providing a service with a single point of access takes away any confusion about where’s best to go for patients.”

Dr Mark Jarvis, clinical director at NHS Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), added: “Closer working between the Urgent Care Centre and Walk-in Centre offers a more joined-up and seamless experience for patients.  People now just come to the one place to receive the care they need.”

People requiring care after 8pm are advised to use the free-to-call NHS 111 non-emergency medical helpline to be directed to the most appropriate place.  If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, call 999.

Trafford's accident and emergency department was replaced by an urgent care centre in 2013, despite a major campaign opposing the move.

A petition to Parliament and Government, created by Gary Bodell, calls for these changes to be reversed.

The Government responds to a petition that gets 10,000 signatures, and one that gets 100,000 signatures will be considered for debate in Parliament.

The petition is at petition.parliament.uk/petitions/177422