The application has been submitted to Stafford Borough Council
Matt lloyd, Kerry Ashdown and Local Democracy Reporter
11:00, 26 Dec 2025
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
A new urgent treatment centre could be built at County Hospital in Stafford under plans which have been submitted to the local council.
The proposal, if given the green light by Stafford Borough Council, would see a single-storey extension constructed alongside the existing A&E department at the Weston Road site.
NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB), which oversees healthcare provision across the region, is rolling out urgent treatment centres (UTCs) as part of a nationwide initiative. Similar proposals have also been put forward to Stoke-on-Trent City Council for a UTC at Royal Stoke University Hospital.
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The centres are designed to deliver urgent care services for at least 12 hours daily, catering for patients of all ages. They will handle minor ailments and injuries, accommodate ambulance arrivals and have access to patients’ electronic medical records.
UTCs will manage a variety of common injuries and conditions that currently see patients attending emergency departments, including suspected fractures, stomach pain, minor head and eye injuries, minor burns and scalds, skin infections, feverish conditions and cuts requiring stitches. X-ray facilities are also planned to be accessible throughout opening hours.
A design and access statement accompanying the Stafford application stated: “The development of an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at County Hospital arises from an identified need to align local urgent care services with national healthcare standards.
“Currently, the hospital operates a 14-hour emergency care model, which is no longer consistent with NHS England’s national expectations for urgent care delivery.
“In response, local commissioners, in collaboration with NHS England regional teams, are redesigning urgent care services to divert appropriate cases away from traditional A&E departments, promoting a more efficient and patient-focused model.
“The proposed UTC will form a central component of this service transformation – by providing a dedicated facility for the treatment of minor illnesses and injuries across all age groups, the UTC will enhance patient experience, reduce the burden on the A&E department, and improve overall system efficiency.
“The County Hospital Strategic Board has formally approved the establishment of the UTC on the existing County Hospital site.
“The new facility will include four treatment rooms, two consulting rooms, a clean utility room, a dirty utility room (and) appropriate sub-waiting area.
“The proposed UTC will be situated to the left of the current A&E department on the currently unused area of land. The location of the department was thoroughly considered as part of a lengthy feasibility exercise, and the most suitable location was selected to ensure the new facility would fit seamlessly with the day-to-day function of the hospital.”
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