Official Temporary Closure Begins Mid-July
From 14 July 2025, the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Shotley Bridge Community Hospital will temporarily close overnight between midnight and 8 am for a trial period of three months, according to County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT). The Trust states this decision is intended to protect patient and staff safety after difficulties in consistently staffing the night shift.
The Urgent Treatment Centre will remain open daily from 8 am to midnight, which is when the Trust reports the majority of attendances occur.
They cite there have been 65 overnight closures already this year and nearly 100 instances where staff were redirected to daytime care to maintain service quality.
Local Residents Express Deep Concerns
However, not everyone is reassured. Residents have written to Consett Magazine raising alarm that the closure—while framed as temporary—is in effect a formalisation of what has already been happening unofficially. Several readers shared their concern that, by the time the public was made aware of this trial, there was a risk the window for feedback was already narrowing.
One concerned resident, writing to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care earlier this month, warned that many locals were unaware that overnight services were even at risk. The letter outlines critical areas of concern, including:
- Increased pressure on already overstretched A&E departments in Durham and Newcastle
- Ambulance response delays due to longer travel distances at night
- Impact on elderly and vulnerable groups without easy access to transport
- Risk of losing experienced overnight staff and continuity of care
- Uncertainty about whether the new Consett hospital—still under development—will offer 24-hour urgent care at all
While the Trust has said the move is operational and not linked to the New Hospital Programme, some residents fear the closure could set a precedent for permanent service reductions.
Community Invited: 1-Hour NHS Session on Monday 7th July, 4–5pm
In response to these concerns, the Trust will hold a local engagement session on Monday 7 July, from 4 pm to 5 pm at Shotley Bridge Community Hospital in the former canteen area. Members of the public are invited to attend, ask questions, and provide feedback during this key consultation window.
Residents who’ve contacted Consett Magazine have urged others to attend, emphasising that community voices matter and can shape the outcome of this decision.
What to Do During the Overnight Closure
For anyone needing care between midnight and 8 am, the Trust advises:
- Use NHS 111 online or call 111 for urgent medical guidance (available 24/7)
- Attend the Emergency Department at University Hospital of North Durham (UHND) for serious or life-threatening conditions
The Trust has committed to reviewing how the trial period goes, with input from community feedback throughout the three months.
Balanced Reporting, Shared Responsibility
As always, Consett Magazine is committed to presenting information responsibly and accurately. We encourage residents to make use of the one hour public engagement opportunity and to seek verified details directly from the NHS Trust’s official channels where possible.
While this article includes concerns raised by members of the community, it also reflects the position and explanation given by the NHS Trust. The aim is to keep local readers informed, engaged, and empowered to take part in important decisions about the future of healthcare in our area.
