Healthwatch Rutland (HWR) response to the consultation on same-day treatment services in Rutland

This short report summarises Healthwatch Rutland's response to the local consultation on same days treatment services in Rutland , based off their engagement  with the public on this issues. Between January and March 2025, Healthwatch Rutland engaged 50 local residents and encouraged 48 more to respond to the consultation on proposed changes to same-day treatment services. Feedback was gathered at outreach events and via volunteers, social media, and the Healthwatch office.

Key Themes from Public Feedback:

• Support for service simplification: People welcomed combining the Minor Injuries Unit and Urgent Care Centre into one Minor Illness and Minor Injuries (MIMI) service to reduce confusion.
• Concerns about reduced hours: The drop from 75 to 56 weekly opening hours was a key concern, especially the lack of morning and weekend morning coverage, raising fears GP services wouldn’t meet demand.
• X-ray availability: Strong opposition to limiting X-ray services to just two days a week, with many highlighting the impracticality and risk of delayed care.
• Distrust of NHS 111: Widespread dissatisfaction with NHS 111, including long waits, inconsistent advice, and poor local knowledge, led to concern about making it a main access route.
• Loss of walk-in access: Many valued the ability to walk in without an appointment, particularly families. There was concern that unfilled 111 slots might not be reallocated efficiently.
• Access and transport: Assumptions about car access were challenged. People stressed the need for flexibility in appointment times, especially due to limited public transport.
• Long-term planning: Some feared the proposals were superficial or temporary, calling for robust, future-proofed services.

HWR supports investment in facilities and better signage but urges:

• Rethinking reduced weekend hours,
• Retaining walk-in access until NHS 111 improves,
• Expanding X-ray availability,
• Ensuring equitable access and flexible bookings, and
• Promoting the new service widely across and beyond Rutland.