Community Engagement at Loftus Club Highlights Local Concerns About Healthcare Access
Residents Express Concern Over Loss of Brotton Urgent Treatment Centre
Across conversations with around 20 residents, one message was clear: many people feel the area has been left without adequate urgent care. Several attendees expressed frustration that the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) in Brotton closed following the opening of the new UTC in Redcar.
For many, travelling to Redcar Hospital or James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough poses significant difficulties. Residents highlighted:
- Unreliable public transport links
- High travel costs
- Limited access for older people and those without cars
These barriers leave some feeling that urgent care is now harder to reach than ever.
Low Awareness of Pharmacy First
We also asked attendees whether they had heard of the national Pharmacy First service. Out of the 10 people we spoke to, none were aware of the scheme.
One 88‑year‑old resident shared her experience: after visiting her GP, she received a text message from a pharmacy in Redcar. Believing it could be a scam—and unable to travel that distance—she did not act on it. Her story highlights the need for clearer communication and local options that feel accessible and trustworthy.
Blood Pressure Checks Reveal Need for Follow‑Up
As part of the session, we carried out 9 blood pressure checks:
- 7 readings were within normal range
- 2 were slightly raised
Those with higher readings were advised to contact their GP within the next few days for follow-up. Many attendees thanked the team for offering the checks, saying they wouldn’t have otherwise known there was an issue.
Continuing the Conversation
Today’s visit offered valuable insight into the pressures facing East Cleveland communities when accessing healthcare. We will continue gathering feedback across the area to help shape future health and wellbeing support.
