Locals bite back over 'godsend' Corby urgent care centre's inadequate inspection report

Corby people have rallied behind their much-loved urgent care centre after inspectors branded it inadequate.

A Care Quality Commission report released earlier today (March 4) said that the 8-8 in Cottingham Road was inadequate in three areas and requires improvement in two, criticising a lack of governance, an ineffectual triage system and the care of children.

Bosses at One Medical Group, which runs the site on behalf of the NHS Northamptonshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said that many improvements had already been made since the October inspection.

And after our story went live this afternoon, within minutes dozens of readers shared stories of how much they value the facility and the staff that work there.

Facebook commenter Sandie Ridley said: "I feel this is unfair! NHS Staff are are under so much pressure and sickness ie pandemic and lack of funding must surely be taken into account?! I have always found the staff and service to be amazing! Doesn't help when people are being sent there from an overwhelmed A and E ..I'm sure they are doing the best they can."

Margaret Emerton said: "Thank God we have this facility, many many people use it when they can't get GP appointment."

Victor Edionwe said: "Wrong conclusion by CQC. My little one had the fastest and spot on urgent care treatment, I have ever witnessed in my adult life here."

Darren Paterson said that the service he received had always been excellent, and Mary Carr said: "Never had a problem I think they do a great job & I was there last Friday the treatment I had was brilliant."

Jean Fanthom added: "I have always been impressed with the UCC. They have been very helpful when we’ve had to attend as nowhere else to go and must have taken the full brunt of A&E unavailability. Sad they are being given such negative criticism."

While Mel Ridley said: "I been there twice there in the past year (sent both times by my Kettering Surgery who said they had no appointments as usual!) and both times was seen within the hour and treated for my problems. This place is a godsend for people who cant get appointments with their own doctor. Very unfair to criticise it in my opinion."

And Samantha Brailsford said: "Am amazing service that is currently overstretched. They provide an excellent service."

The facility is open 8am to 8pm, every day of the year and offers a minor injuries unit, an x-ray, observation bays and outpatient maternity services.