Following the recent consultation, services at Bishop Auckland Hospital are set to change from July 1st, in line with plans for the hospital to become a centre for planned care.
The urgent care service at the hospital will provide treatment 24 hours a day for minor illnesses and injuries, however the Accident and Emergency department will only be available between 8.00am and 12 midnight.
Even this is simply a temporary measure, however, as all seriously ill patients will be taken to Darlington or Durham A&E as of October 1st, although the urgent care centre, staffed by GP’s and staff skilled in emergency care, will continue its services for patients 24 hours a day.
Emergency care for seriously ill children will also no longer be provided at Bishop Auckland from July 1st, with patients again being transferred to Durham or Darlington.
Basically, this means that adults who may be seriously ill should not be taken to Bishop Auckland General Hospital between midnight and 8.00am, and children who may be seriously ill should not be taken at any time.
Instead, patients should call 999 or travel to the A&E Department at the University Hospital of North Durham or Darlington Memorial Hospital.
Serious illnesses or injuries could include heart attacks, strokes, fits, asthma attacks, head, neck and spinal injuries, road traffic accidents or breathing difficulties. Examples of minor injuries and illnesses include chest infections, urine infections, fevers, cuts, sprains, hand, foot and wrist fractures and suspected eye infections.
Anyone unsure about where to go in an emergency should contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
