Enfield Council has already granted approval for the scheme which will create additional facilities for treating patients with urgent but non life-threatening injuries or illnesses

The design for the new North Mid Urgent Care Centre

The NHS trust running North Middlesex University Hospital has won planning approval for a new “urgent care” facility that it hopes will reduce the burden on its accident and emergency (A&E) department.

Urgent care or urgent treatment centres are becoming increasingly common at hospitals and are designed to treat illnesses or injuries needing prompt attention but which are not deemed to be life-threatening.

Explaining the idea behind the new facility at North Mid, a spokesperson for Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, which took over running of the Edmonton hospital at the start of last year, said: “We are delighted that Enfield Council has granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the urgent and emergency care centre at North Middlesex University Hospital.

“Once complete, there will be a larger, more modern urgent treatment centre and new ambulance hub that will improve patient flow, reduce waiting times and provide a better environment for patients and staff.”

Permission was granted last month, and will see a modern extension to the existing A&E department constructed at the south-west corner of the North Mid site, on an area currently used for car parking and as an entrance for visitors.

There would be a net loss of 27 parking spaces as a result of the development, but in its report on the scheme the council’s planning team wrote that “the loss is considered minor”, especially considering a new 452-space multistorey car park was recently constructed at the north-east entrance to the hospital.

No objections to the scheme were submitted by local residents, according to the council report.

The council report adds: “The proposed new extension would be in addition to and integrate with the existing A&E
services. The provision of the extension would and is therefore strongly supported.”

The Royal Free London spokesperson added: “Work has started to prepare the site in readiness for the first stage of development. While these works are ongoing, a new one-way traffic system has been introduced outside the emergency department, as well as a temporary drop off area and new entrance.

“There will also be fewer parking spaces during this period and we ask our residents to consider how and when they visit the site.

“We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding while these essential improvement works take place. For the latest updates as the project progresses, please visit our website.”

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.