Norwich NHS Walk-in Centre looks set to remain open
Health bosses say they have 'listened' to widespread objections to plans to close the facility on Rouen Road
An NHS Walk-in Centre in Norwich looks set to remain open, with health bosses saying they've 'listened' to widespread objections to its closure.
NHS Norfolk and Waveney had planned to close practice on Rouen Road when its contracted expired in March next year.
A consultation on the plans gained thousands of responses, with many raising fears about access to healthcare, especially for those who can't get a GP appointment in the city.
Instead of closing the centre, patient capacity at the Walk-In centre will be icreased.
However the GP practice, which also operates at Rouen Road, could have its hours cut to bring it in line with other surgeries in the city.
The decision to keep the centre open could be confirmed at a meeting next week.
Sadie Parker, Director of Primary Care at NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said “Firstly, thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views during this consultation, both digitally and in writing.
“We received an enormous response from both individuals and other stakeholders working in health and care, and all your feedback has been invaluable in helping us to learn what’s important for patients regarding their healthcare, and how they’d like to see general practice services delivered in future.
“We have been listening very carefully to what people have been saying throughout this consultation, which has been captured in detail in this final report which I am pleased to publish today.
“During this consultation we heard how strongly local people and the wider community feel about the Norwich Walk-in Centre.
"I am pleased to confirm that we have listened to all the feedback received and are recommending to keep the Walk-in Centre open, and indeed look at ways to create additional capacity at this facility.”