Tuesday 31st March 2026

By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor

The Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership has confirmed that Bridlington’s Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) will permanently operate from 7am to 8pm, following a two‑year period of temporary reduced hours.

The UTC has been running on the 7am–8pm model since March 2022, replacing the previous 7am–11pm schedule. The change was originally introduced because of very low demand after 8pm and ongoing staffing pressures.

Before the temporary hours were brought in, the Bridlington UTC typically saw fewer than 10 patients per week after 8pm.

Decision Based on Demand, Staffing and Public Feedback

The move to make the revised hours permanent follows a major public engagement exercise involving more than 1,200 residents, alongside a review of clinical evidence, attendance patterns and workforce challenges.

Operational data shows that demand for urgent treatment in Bridlington after 8pm has remained consistently low throughout the temporary period. No formal complaints have been recorded about the earlier closing time.

The provider, City Health Care Partnership (CHCP), says maintaining the current hours allows clinical staff to be deployed at the busiest times of day, improving patient flow and safety. Staff have also reported better wellbeing, smoother handovers and higher job satisfaction under the revised model.

The UTC will continue to open at 7am, supporting early‑morning access to care and ensuring a smooth transition between GP Out‑of‑Hours services and the UTC.

Access to Urgent Care After 8pm

Although the Bridlington UTC will close at 8pm, residents will still have access to round‑the‑clock urgent care through:

- NHS 111, offering 24/7 advice, clinical assessment and appointment booking

- GP Out‑of‑Hours services, available from 6.30pm to 8am on weekdays and throughout weekends

- Alternative UTCs within the wider region

What Local People Said

Residents who took part in the engagement exercise raised concerns about:

- Transport and accessibility, particularly for rural communities

- Confidence in local urgent care provision

- The potential impact on other NHS services if people travel further

- Wider worries about healthcare provision in the town

The ICB says these views will shape how the permanent arrangements are implemented.

To address concerns, the ICB has committed to:

- Clear public information about where to go for urgent care after 8pm

- Working with local authorities on transport options, including community transport

- Strengthening links between UTCs, NHS 111, GP Out‑of‑Hours and pharmacies

- Supporting digital and remote consultations, with alternatives for those without online access

- Reviewing the changes after 12 months, and again every 2–3 years

ICB Response

Dr Nigel Wells, Clinical Lead for the ICB, said the decision reflects both public feedback and the evidence gathered during the temporary period.

“We fully appreciate the strength of feeling in Bridlington and want to thank people for sharing their thoughts. We acknowledge some people wanted to see longer opening hours.

“However, the data consistently showed very low usage after 8pm and no evidence of displaced activity elsewhere. This decision ensures the right blend of care – focusing clinical staff where patients need them most.”

He added that the ICB will continue to monitor demand and population changes, and remains open to revisiting the model if future needs evolve.