Last week, it was announced that a brand-new urgent treatment centre (UTC) will be opening at County Hospital in Stafford.

Work on the facility is due to begin this month and should be complete by Spring 2027.

Treating both adults and children, the new UTC will provide same day treatment for a range of minor illnesses and injuries meaning locals can access care closer to home.

Open seven days a week, the centre will build on the facilities already available at County Hospital and complement the existing Emergency Department, so patients can be assessed and directed to the service that they need.

The announcement had a mixed reaction on social media.

One person commented: "Great news as a county hospital we need more facilities brought back to Stafford like there used to be, thus helping Stoke hospital, relieving pressure on all the staff there and waiting times."

Another, who also felt positive about the announcement, said: "Yes, we need this desperately."

However, someone else commented: "Lol it'll start off great but within 12 months it will be as bad as the rest of the hospital."

Others expressed concerns about whether the hospital has adequate parking available.

Recent data found that 47% of people who attend the emergency department were potentially suitable for treatment through the UTC meaning the new facility should help to reduce pressure on the County and Royal Stoke A&E departments.

The facility is the result of a lengthy campaign by Stafford MP Leigh Ingham.

Ingham said: "This is amazing news for people in Stafford.

"I have been working so hard to secure the funding for this urgent treatment centre, raising this issue before I was elected as the MP, and I'm so pleased and proud that it will be delivered.

"I know that people want to see better healthcare here in Stafford, particularly closer to home.

"This is a major investment and will mean thousands more families can access the care they need locally.

"The UTC will strengthen the services already available here and will provide treatment for a huge range of non-life-threatening conditions and same-day care.

"I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the area."

Header image via Jonathan Hutchins on Geograph