Thousands of residents have signed an MP’s open letter calling on NHS bosses to provide doctor-led urgent care at a town’s hospital, just days after it was launched.
Rugby MP John Slinger said the response showed the strength of feeling among residents who believe people in the town should not have to travel to Coventry for urgent treatment.
The letter calls for the nurse-led Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Hospital of St Cross in Rugby to be upgraded so more patients can be seen by doctors closer to home.
“More than 2,300 people have added their names in just two days. That shows how strongly people across Rugby and the surrounding area feel that urgent care needs to improve,” Slinger said.
Slinger argues that Rugby’s healthcare provision has not kept pace with the town’s growth.
He said the borough’s population grew by 14.3% between 2011 and 2021, while accident and emergency departments at nearby hospitals, including University Hospital Coventry, continue to face significant pressure.
The BBC has contacted the ICB for a response to the open letter.