The closure-threatened NHS walk-in centre in Norwich has been described as "an important service to have" in a study of patient opinions.

The facility, in Rouen Road, could be set for the axe as the service enters the final year of its contract.

Health bosses say they may get better value for patients by providing care in a different way.

However, a survey carried out by Healthwatch Norfolk has shown that more than two-thirds of patients that use the centre say their experience is positive.

It comes as several members of the public have commented online to criticise the proposed closure.

Despite the service operating at a loss, the Healthwatch report states the centre offers "excellent value for money".

The report states: "Feedback from existing service users and walk-in centre staff show that the centre fulfils an essential role in easing pressure on other NHS services, such as A&E and local GP practices, at a critical time for public health provision.

"The centre represents high value for money, treating significantly more than the target number of patients in the last quarter, with most of the patients that we spoke to satisfied with the care they received."

Many respondents to the survey highly praised the role the walk-in centre plays in the region's health care system,

One wrote: "[It is] such an important service to have. Hopefully, it reduces pressure on the A&E."

Another wrote: "All staff always treat everyone incredibly professionally and kindly."

The report goes on the make a number of recommendations for ways the service could be improved if commissioners were willing to invest more in it.

These include looking into providing emergency dental care, a mental health clinic and making telephone and virtual appointments available for those in remote areas.

Alex Stewart, chief executive of Healthwatch Norfolk, said: "Our research found there was an overwhelming case for a walk-in centre in Norwich.

"It forms a vital service for people who need care helping to reduce the pressure on both GP practices and A & E departments while also providing flexible access to care for those whose work or personal commitments may make it difficult for them to access appointments during the traditional working day.
"There are always improvements to be made and we are happy to work with the walk-in centre with the support of patients to help implement these and work in partnership with the centre to ensure it remains a key service helping and caring for the people of Norfolk.”

NHS Norfolk and Waveney has opened a public consultation into the centre's future, with the contract with One Norwich Practices to run it due to expire in March 2024.

Two out of three options being considered will see the centre shut down in its current form, while a third option will see it resume as normal.

To take part in the consultation, visit the NHS Norfolk and Waveney website.

 

Social media response

News of the potential closure has seen scores of people comment via social media.

  • Hannah Woodcroft wrote: "They could do with a second walk-in centre given the fact the GPs are so overstretched and people are struggling to get an appointment. One that is not in the city centre would be a bonus."
  • Lizze Hollamann wrote: "You cannot be serious. I can't get into my doctors and often use the centre for my children."
  • Lynne English wrote: "I am in shock. I cannot believe this is even being thought of as an option. The doctors are totally snowed under and A&E is in crisis, but okay, let's close the walk-in centre and make things even worse."
  • Mike Crome wrote: "Whichever way it goes, closing it will destroy healthcare options for many."
  • David Havers wrote: "Every time you phone up the doctors' surgery, they say that they haven't got any appointments and go to the walk-in centre. If they close it, it would be devastating."