A councillor is demanding action, not announcements, over the need for an Urgent Treatment Centre in Warrington.
During tonight’s Full Council meeting, a motion will be formally submitted to Warrington Borough Council calling for the establishment of an Urgent Treatment Centre in the town—amid growing pressure on local healthcare services.
The motion, drafted by Cllr John Roddy on 8th April for inclusion in the Full Council meeting on 20th April, comes after Warrington South’s MP Sarah Hall announced just 24 hours before the council meeting that plans for an Urgent Treatment Centre are now being drawn up by architects.
While welcoming the announcement, Cllr Roddy said residents now need clarity on what happens next.
Cllr Roddy, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group, said: “Any progress towards an Urgent Treatment Centre is welcome—but residents need more than announcements, they need detail and delivery.
“This motion was drafted on 8th April, and while the announcement made just 24 hours before this meeting is positive, there are still fundamental questions that remain unanswered.
“Where will this facility be located? When will it be delivered? And has funding actually been approved—and if so, in which financial year and for how much? Architect’s drawings are fine, but not if they are stuck in a drawer for five years.
“Warrington residents should not have to endure long A&E waits or be treated in corridors due to a lack of adequate facilities.”
With Warrington’s population growing rapidly—and increasing pressure on GP access and emergency services—Cllr Roddy said the need for additional healthcare capacity is becoming increasingly urgent.
An Urgent Treatment Centre would treat non-life-threatening conditions such as minor injuries and infections, helping to reduce pressure on A&E and ensure patients receive care more quickly.
The motion also highlights concerns that infrastructure has not kept pace with housing growth across the town.
Cllr Rob Tynan, Leader of the Conservative Group, added: “We’ve seen thousands of new homes approved in Warrington, but the infrastructure needed to support those communities has not kept up.
“This is about making sure our town has the healthcare services it needs—not just now, but for the future.
“We will continue to push for the investment and facilities that Warrington residents deserve.”
The motion calls on the Council to formally engage with NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board, NHS England, and North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust, and to provide regular updates to councillors on progress.
Cllr Roddy has also confirmed his willingness to work with council officers and NHS partners to help move the proposal forward.
Meanwhile, following on from Sarah Hall’s announcement yesterday, Sunday, a spokesperson for North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust said: “The trust has been asked to develop a business case for the development of an urgent treatment centre in Warrington, to address ongoing operational pressures and meet the needs of our patients and increasing local population. A draft proposal has been approved by Cheshire and Mersey ICB and is progressing in line with NHS England guidance and we are expecting a final decision to be made by the government and NHSE later in 2026.
“We are working internally with our clinical teams and our external partners and commissioners to ensure these plans align with local and national strategies, with the ultimate aim to enable residents to access urgent same-day medical assistance in an appropriate location and timely manner.”
