Hospital unveils new section to speed up patient care
A new Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) has opened at University Hospital Lewisham, which aims to ensure faster and more efficient treatment for minor injuries and illnesses.
The new UTC, which incorporates both urgent care and GP extended access, can be found in a purpose-built area behind patient transport.
Opening it means that staff can see patients with lesser problems in a dedicated space away from the most seriously poorly patients.
The opening was celebrated by the emergency department teams and the project team, led by Sarah Lacey, who have worked together over the last few months to deliver this project.
A hospital spokesman said: “It is a major step forward that allows us to promptly stream patients to the right service, improving their experience with us and improving our four-hour wait performance.”
The team were joined by chief executive Ben Travis, and Harry Bright, non-executive director, to formally open the department.
General manager for A&E, Rebecca Mills, officially cut the opening ribbon before Dr Elaine Harding, clinical director for emergency medicine at UHL cut a celebratory cake, which was duly served by medical director, Dr Belinda McCall.
Mr Travis said: “Starting today, this UTC is going to make a big difference for our patients, in both turning people around quickly here and helping us to decompress majors.”
After months of planning and hard work, the new unit welcomed its very first patient. Oliver Murray, who is 24 and lives in Blackheath. He was referred to the UTC with a damaged knee after coming to the emergency department for help.
He arrived to a huge cheer and round of applause from the staff – much to his surprise. His mum Katie Murray said that this was not the first time Oliver had been a milestone patient.
She said: “Oliver was the last ever baby boy to be born at Greenwich Hospital and now he is the first patient to be treated here. I feel like it was meant to be. He’s NHS famous.”
Oliver was seen quickly by the team and, after a precautionary X-ray, was able to leave with a care plan to help his recovery. He is the first of many patients, as it is expected around 185 will visit every day.
Pictured top: Oliver Murray – the first patient at the new unit, poses with staff (Picture: LGT)