AN URGENT Treatment Centre is set to open in Otley.

NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group is proposing to run five centres (UTC) across the city - with one based at Wharfedale Hospital.

The CCG says the move is part of a drive to 'make it easier for local residents to access urgent care services, and better meet the needs of local people'.

The Otley facility would be one of three community-based UTCs in Leeds and operate from the Minor Injuries Unit at Wharfedale Hospital.

Councillor Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon), who is an Accident and Emergency department nurse, believes the move would deliver major benefits for patients and receive 'huge' local support.

He said: "A UTC at Wharfedale Hospital will complement the already excellent Minor Injuries Unit and bring a GP-led service, along with a skilled mix of healthcare professionals, including nurses and pharmacists.

"There will also be additional services to patients such as 111 Helpline and walk-in appointments, something that is currently quite difficult to do. And an increased range of x-rays, plus blood and urine tests, will ensure that not only minor injuries but also minor illnesses and ailments will be seen.

"Such improvements should, in time, help reduce hospital trips to Leeds and Harrogate and have the additional benefit of reducing demand on our overstretched Accident and Emergency departments.

"I know that many patients are confused by the variety of services the NHS now offer. Going forward, hopefully patients will have their own GP, Urgent Treatment Centres and A&E, and this should be better and simpler for them."

MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) said: "I am very pleased that we will see an urgent treatment centre at Wharfedale Hospital.

"Many Otley residents have told me they don’t believe that the minor injuries clinic is enough so I welcome this move to expand the services available at our local hospital.

"A&E is under enormous pressure, with underfunding and cuts to mental health services providing a strain onto the acute sector. Whilst this will relieve some of that pressure and allow for a much improved service locally, we should be unwavering in our demands for a properly funded NHS."

The proposals are out for consultation and can be viewed, and commented on, by visiting: www.leedsccg.nhs.uk/UTCSurvey . The CCG is also holding events to allow people to find out more and give feedback.

Those will include drop-in sessions at the Leeds Bradford Airport car boot sale at Greengate Farm, off Otley Old Road, from 7am to 12.30pm on Sunday, March 3; and a 10am to 2pm session at Wharfedale Hospital on Thursday, April 4.

Director of Operational Delivery for NHS Leeds CCG, Sue Robins, said: "Our proposal would see five urgent treatment centres established in the city. People will be able to access the centres by either walking-in or, more conveniently, pre-booking an appointment through NHS 111.

“We feel our proposals will help simplify the system for you when you have an urgent care need, but we need to hear your views so we can develop the best possible service that most closely meets the needs of local people."