Birmingham's urgent treatment centres (UTCs) could face closure under a major NHS reorganisation proposed by NHS Birmingham and Solihull. The review, which includes GP out-of-hours services, aims to address inconsistencies and better align with national guidelines.
Current Services
Birmingham currently has five UTCs located in Sutton Coldfield, Erdington, Washwood Heath, Selly Oak, and Summerfield. These centres provide care for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. However, the NHS states they do not all operate consistently or fully meet national UTC standards.
Proposed Options
Two options have been put forward for public consultation, both involving closures and new hospital-based UTCs.
Option A
- Erdington and South Birmingham (Selly Oak) UTCs would remain and be upgraded.
- Summerfield and Washwood Heath UTCs would close, replaced by specialist urgent care services at local health hubs focusing on frailty, respiratory care, heart care, or wound care. Access would usually be by referral, not walk-in.
- GP out-of-hours would operate as one service across Birmingham and Solihull, mainly virtual consultations with face-to-face and home visits when needed.
Option B
- Summerfield, Washwood Heath, and Erdington UTCs would close, replaced by Community Urgent Care Centres at the same locations.
- South Birmingham (Selly Oak) UTC would close, replaced by two Community Urgent Care Centres at Moseley Hall and West Heath.
- These centres would treat minor illnesses and injuries unlikely to need X-rays or stitches, offering walk-in care and NHS 111 booked appointments.
- GP out-of-hours would be linked to local health hubs and Community Urgent Care Centres, mainly virtual consultations.
Common Proposals
Both options include moving North Birmingham UTC permanently to Good Hope Hospital and upgrading it. New hospital UTCs would open at Heartlands, Queen Elizabeth, and Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. These would be open seven days a week for at least 12 hours, accepting walk-ins and NHS 111 appointments.
Consultation Feedback
Over 1,600 people participated in the consultation. Support was nearly equal for both options (37.5% for A, 37.2% for B), with many favouring a combined approach. Concerns included longer travel times, loss of familiar services, and over-reliance on NHS 111.
The NHS emphasised the review is not about cost savings but about creating a clearer, more consistent urgent care offer. A final decision will be made by the Integrated Care Board.
The consultation will be discussed at Birmingham Council's Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee Meeting on June 26.
