The Integrated Care Board (ICB) plans to begin the process of appointing a provider in the coming weeks. The proposed service would include GP-led urgent care, GP out-of-hours appointments and care for children aged five and under.
The improved service is expected to begin later in 2027. This will depend on the outcome of the procurement process and the time needed to set up the service.
The plans follow a review of urgent care and accident and emergency services by the ICB, healthcare providers and local partners. The review considered growing demand over the next five years and how more Rugby residents could receive appropriate care closer to home.
While the new service is being developed, the ICB will work with the current GP out-of-hours provider to make more appointments available at St Cross. This could help more residents receive care locally when it is safe and appropriate.
Rugby Borough Council, Rugby Place, Rugby Healthcare Forum, the Save St Cross Group and other local partners have continued to make the case for better urgent care services in Rugby.
Other changes are also planned. Integrated neighbourhood teams will bring together GP practices, community services and other health professionals. Their work will focus on preventing ill health, helping people avoid hospital stays and supporting older and frail residents. The teams will also work to improve care at the end of life.
Cllr Louise Robinson, Leader of Rugby Borough Council, said: “This is welcome progress for Rugby residents. People have told us clearly that they want to receive appropriate urgent care closer to home.
“It has taken sustained work by the council, community groups and health partners to reach this point. We will continue working with the ICB to make sure the final service is safe, sustainable and meets Rugby’s needs.”
Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, Deputy Leader of Rugby Borough Council, said: “People in Rugby have made the case for better urgent care at St Cross for many years. This planned procurement is an important step towards providing more care locally.
“Residents should not have to travel to Coventry when the care they need can be provided safely in Rugby. We must now maintain the momentum and turn these plans into real improvements for residents.
“We have long called for this to happen. Bringing health services together and providing more diagnostic tests in Rugby are key to giving local residents the care they need closer to home.”
Cllr Maggie O’Rourke, portfolio holder for partnerships, health and wellbeing, said: “Our citizens’ assembly and the work of local campaigners provided clear evidence of Rugby’s need for doctor-led urgent care. Their stories have made a difference.
“The planned service at St Cross is an important step forward. We will continue to press for a long-term service that gives residents the right care, in the right place, when they need it.”