TEETHING problems caused long queues and check-in confusion when a new urgent treatment centre opened in Colchester.

The centre, based at Colchester Hospital, replaced the walk-in centre in October.

But patients reported long waits and being perplexed by the system to check-in during the first weekends of the new system.

The concerns were reported to the Health Forum Committee which passes on feedback from the public and patients.

The new urgent treatment centre helps treat injuries such as suspected broken limbs, strains, sprains, cuts as well as patients with ear, throat or skin infections and exacerbation of long-term conditions.

A report, which went before the North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group yesterday, said: “Long queues and check-in confusion was reported to the forum by patients in the first weekends of the Colchester urgent treatment centre.

“Following representations we have been assured these have been addressed and the last two weekends have been much quieter.”

The centre is open 24 hours a day.

Between opening and November 14 it saw 8,784 patients.

Alison Power, director of operations for Colchester Hospital, said: “Our teams have been working really hard to streamline the experience for patients in the urgent treatment centre, particularly around arrival and booking in.

“One of the changes we have introduced since it opened is the introduction of clinical members of staff to see every patient on their immediate arrival.

“These colleagues are in place from early morning to late in the evening and are able to make a clinical decision about where the patient needs to be cared for as soon as they arrive.

“As the centre was a brand new centre opening on October 1, staff have taken time to adapt to the new building and are receiving ongoing training and support, as well as ongoing IT input for the computer systems.”

Centres at Clacton Hospital and the Fryatt Hospital in Dovercourt were also opened in October.