Issue

Hospital admissions

1 story · 1 council

Merton Council is focusing on reducing unnecessary A&E attendances and improving patient flow to manage winter pressures.

Merton Council is strengthening its winter resilience by introducing new urgent care hubs and expanding community response services, according to a report on October 8, 2026. These initiatives aim to reduce unnecessary A&E attendances and improve patient flow, addressing pressures that can lead to hospital admissions. The council's efforts include new Access Hubs offering same-day primary care appointments.

An expanded Urgent Community Response Service is also part of the council's strategy to manage demand. The Merton Health and Wellbeing Board approved plans for these services in October 2020, focusing on strengthening urgent and emergency care for the upcoming winter season.

Key facts

  1. Merton Council is introducing new urgent care hubs and expanding community response services to strengthen winter resilience. Source
  2. These initiatives aim to reduce unnecessary A&E attendances and improve patient flow. Source
  3. The Merton Health and Wellbeing Board approved plans for these services in October 2020. Source
  4. Key initiatives include two new Access Hubs offering same-day primary care appointments. Source
  5. An expanded Urgent Community Response Service is also part of the initiatives. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 8 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Council boosts winter resilience with new urgent care hubs Merton Council bolsters winter resilience with new urgent care hubs and enhanced community response services Merton 8 October 2026