NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board has confirmed that the Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) in Bridlington and Goole will permanently operate from 7am to 8pm.
The decision follows a temporary reduction in hours introduced in March 2022, when opening times were changed from 7am–11pm due to low late-evening demand and staffing pressures.
Why the Change Has Been Made Permanent
Extensive analysis and public engagement informed the decision, including feedback from more than 1,200 local residents.
Key findings include:
Very low usage after 8pm, with around 10 patients per week across both sites before the change
No formal complaints recorded about earlier closing times
No evidence of increased pressure on other services
Maintaining 7am–8pm hours allows City Health Care Partnership to:
Focus clinicians during peak demand
Improve patient waiting times and safety
Support staff wellbeing, recruitment, and retention
Continued Access to Urgent Care
Although UTCs will close at 8pm, patients can still access urgent care through:
NHS 111 (available 24/7 for advice, assessment, and bookings)
GP Out-of-Hours services (evenings, nights, and weekends at both sites)
Other UTCs in the wider region
What Residents Told the ICB
While many accepted the data behind the decision, concerns were raised about:
Transport and accessibility, particularly in rural areas
Reassurance about local healthcare provision
Potential pressure on neighbouring hospitals
Wider concerns about local services
Commitments Moving Forward
To address these concerns, the ICB has committed to:
Providing clear public information on where to access care after 8pm
Working with local authorities on transport solutions
Improving coordination between UTCs, NHS 111, GPs, and pharmacies
Expanding digital consultation options while maintaining non-digital access
Reviewing the decision after 12 months, and every 2–3 years thereafter
Clinical Perspective
ICB Clinical Lead Nigel Wells acknowledged community concerns but emphasised that:
Demand after 8pm has consistently remained low
There is no evidence of displaced demand elsewhere
The change ensures resources are focused where patients need them most
