Healthwatch Norfolk has serious concerns about proposals which could see the Walk-in Centre close
8 February 2023
2023, Health & Well Being
A major consultation exercise is under way to gather people’s views on the future of the
• Norwich Walk In Centre
• The Vulnerable Adult Service
• The GP practice on Rouen Road in Norwich
NHS Norfolk and Waveney says the current contract with all three services runs out on March 31st 2024, and it wants to get people’s views on the proposed changes, and how the three services are used.
The Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Service says it needs to meet the increasing patient demand, ensure everyone has equal access to services, make sure the limited workforce are used in the best way and achieve value-for-money. It says GP practices are open longer and community pharmacies offer services that were not available when the walk-in centre was first established
Alex Stewart, chief executive of Healthwatch Norfolk, said:
"We have serious concerns about proposals which could see the Norwich walk-in centre close. It currently offers 5666 appointments per month, and we would want to know where the people will get help if it is not operating.
"We are hearing daily that people are struggling to access GP services and the walk-in centre offers a health and care safety net for those who cannot get help any other way. Our worry is that any closure will just increase pressure on the A&E service and increase the challenges the people of Norfolk face in accessing care.
"We would urge everyone to make their views known about the various options for the future of the Norwich Walk-In Centre, the Rouen Road GP practice, and the Vulnerable Adult Service, and which direction they want them to go in."
Take part in the survey and have your say about the plans for the walk-in centre's future here.
Healthwatch Norfolk has recently published its report on the Norwich Walk-in Centre, citing it as a "safety net" for residents across Norfolk.
