A HOSPITAL serving patients across the New Forest has enlarged its urgent treatment centre in a bid to cut queues and provide better care.

The facility at Lymington New Forest Hospital has been expanded to help it treat an "ever-increasing" number of sick and injured people coming through the doors.

The extra space has been created by moving the UTC reception to the hospital's atrium.

The way people access the centre has also changed, with patients now using the hospital's main entrance to reach the unit.

Daily Echo: Mandy Hawkins, PHL's UTC service manager, and Ross Brand, its chief executiveMandy Hawkins, PHL's UTC service manager, and Ross Brand, its chief executive (Image: PHL Group)

Opened by the Princess Royal in 2007, the hospital is run by the Totton-based Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, but UTC services are provided by PHL Group.

The site treats residents and visitors to the area, reducing the pressure on accident and emergency units at hospitals in Southampton and Bournemouth.

READ MORE: University Hospital Southampton says A&E under 'severe pressure' and warns of 'significant delays'

A PHL spokesperson said: "In addition to the creation of extra capacity, the UTC is now running a 'See and Treat’ model to help patient flow and reduce waiting times.

"The UTC recognises the importance of adapting and flexing resources to meet the ever-changing healthcare setting while also supporting practitioners' development with the introduction of new innovative roles that attract clinicians to work in the UTC team."

The spokesperson said the UTC provided an invaluable service and was already being used by more than 3,000 patients a month.

Daily Echo: Lymington New Forest Hospital was opened by the Princess Royal in 2007. It treats Forest residents and visitors to the areaLymington New Forest Hospital was opened by the Princess Royal in 2007. It treats Forest residents and visitors to the area (Image: Newsquest.)

Mandy Hawkins, PHL's UTC service manager, added: "I’m delighted to have worked in collaboration with Southern Health to repurpose the reception room to create more clinical treatment space at the UTC.

"This will result in faster treatment times, shorter waiting times for patients and better patient care."

READ MORE: UTC at Lymington New Forest Hospital rated "Good" following first inspection by Care Quality Commission

Ross Brand, PHL's chief executive, said the centre had gone from strength to strength, adding: "It's always innovating to find solutions to improve patient care and preparing for the increased patient numbers that are expected during the summer months." 

The Lymington Hospital Friends group has designed and funded new signs to help people find the department quickly.

Daily Echo: The Lymington New Forest Hospital has replaced a smaller facility elsewhere in the towna smaller facility The Lymington New Forest Hospital has replaced a smaller facility elsewhere in the towna smaller facility (Image: Newsquest.)

The UTC is staffed by a GP-led team of nurse practitioners, specialist paramedics, experienced healthcare support workers, and a dedicated reception team.

Open from 8am to 9pm seven days a week, the centre treats or refers patients with less serious injuries and illnesses, including broken bones, minor burns, and cuts.

Patients should visit accident and emergency units if they are suffering from conditions such as choking, chest pain, blackouts and serious blood loss.