Bridlington Hospital’s Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) will continue operating from 7am to 8pm after NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) confirmed the hours will become permanent.
The decision follows a three-year period of “temporary” reduced hours, introduced in March 2022 due to low late-evening demand and staffing pressures. Health leaders say evidence consistently showed very few patients attended after 8pm, with figures previously averaging around 10 people per week during late hours.
A public consultation involving more than 1,200 residents helped inform the outcome, alongside a review of clinical data and workforce challenges. While some residents expressed concern about access to urgent care—particularly in rural areas—the ICB said current hours allow staff to be focused at peak times, improving patient safety and waiting times.
Dr Nigel Wells, Clinical Lead for the ICB, acknowledged mixed public opinion but said the decision reflects how services are most effectively delivered. He added that there has been no evidence of increased pressure on other services since the earlier closing time was introduced.
Healthcare provider City Health Care Partnership (CHCP) also reported improved staff wellbeing and recruitment stability under the revised model.
Despite the 8pm closing time, NHS leaders stress that urgent care remains available through NHS 111, GP out-of-hours services, and other regional facilities.
The ICB has committed to reviewing the arrangements after 12 months and continuing to monitor demand, while also working to improve public information and transport options for patients needing care later in the evening.
