Concerns have been raised about the number of doctors available at the city's NHS walk-in centre.
Professor David Raby and his wife, Luisa, live in Bishop Bridge Road and were delighted when they learned the Rouen Road walk-in centre had been saved from closure in May.
The 79 and 72-year-old, respectively, are regular patients at the centre but were upset to learn it would be losing "the only doctor" at the venue.
Professor Raby, a former Green city councillor, said: "We found out after me and my wife weren't feeling particularly well last Thursday.
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"We went to the walk-in centre and saw the doctor there who told us in conversation that they may not be there much longer and the centre wouldn't have a doctor at all.
"I think it would be very worrying not to have a qualified doctor available at the centre.
"I'm sure there are more than capable practitioners on hand however there are issues which might arise where the attention of a doctor is needed."
Prof Raby, a professor emeritus in history at the University of Toronto, is concerned about this leading to more people already being sent to the N&N Hospital's already overloaded A&E.
However, a spokesman for OneNorwich Practices clarified: "The Norwich Walk-in Centre is a nurse-led service and staff have access to support and advice from a GP from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, through the Norwich Practices Health Centre and through additional Saturday clinics.
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"In line with many healthcare organisations, OneNorwich Practices has been working to reduce their reliance on temporary GP cover and moving towards a more permanent GP-salaried workforce.
"This has resulted in acquiring three salaried permanent GPs for the health centre staffing team who are supporting the healthcare staff based in the Walk-in Centre as well."
Prof Raby is not convinced though, adding: "They're arguing a GP is always available in some form, but it seems clear there won't be a GP actually in the walk-in centre available to see patients.
"This seems to be another move, on grounds of false economy, to downgrade the quality of care."
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