July 12, 2017 9.22 am This story is over 79 months old

Lincoln Walk-in-Centre closure consultation extended

A consultation on plans that would see the Lincoln Walk-in-Centre closed for good has been extended. Patients and residents now have until Friday, August 18 to respond to the proposals, almost two weeks longer than previous arrangements. FILL IN THE SURVEY ONLINE HERE. Further drop-in sessions have also been arranged by Lincolnshire West CCG, the…

A consultation on plans that would see the Lincoln Walk-in-Centre closed for good has been extended.

Patients and residents now have until Friday, August 18 to respond to the proposals, almost two weeks longer than previous arrangements.

FILL IN THE SURVEY ONLINE HERE.

Further drop-in sessions have also been arranged by Lincolnshire West CCG, the body behind the proposals.

The CCG’s proposals suggest that patients use alternative services to the walk-in-centre. Bosses said emphasis would instead be put on extending GP opening hours in the city, enhancing the NHS 111 service, GP out of hours services and supporting people to “self-manage” health conditions.

Almost 2,000 responses to the consultation have been received to date

Senior members of the organisation also heard comments, questions and concerns from members of the public during a series of three drop-in sessions last month.

UPDATE: Further public drop-in sessions will be held on WEDNESDAY AUGUST 9 between 10am and 1pm and later that day between 4pm and 7pm at Abbey Access Centre in Lincoln. This has been changed from the original date of Friday, August 11.

Sarah-Jane Mills, chief operating officer at NHS Lincolnshire West CCG, said: “We have had lots of response to our proposals, all of which will be taken on board before any decision is made on the future of the Walk-in-Centre.

“We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to have their say on the proposals and for that reason we are extending the consultation period – and set up two more drop-in opportunities.

“It is important for us to gather opinions and responses from as many patients, organisations and groups as possible to make sure whatever decision is made is as informed as possible.

“If you are yet to respond to the consultation, please fill in our survey or send us your thoughts through the various channels available.”

The service – which costs £1 million a year to run and features a nurse-led team of 15 members of staff – saw around 34,000 patients in the last financial year.

The walk-in-centre currently runs between 8am and 8pm seven days a week.

The CCG claims that a review of the service suggested 95% of Lincoln Walk-in-Centre users required no investigation or treatment, or received minor treatment for minor ailments.

Proposed are these following alternatives:

  • Convenient student access to GP practices close to Lincoln College and Lincoln University.
  • This will include Skype consultations and drop-in opportunities.
  • Same day access to GP services for children – where clinically appropriate.
  • Same day access for more urgent cases.
  • Working towards seven day GP services – via a hub of several practices.
  • Enhanced NHS 111 service. Talk before you walk by calling NHS 111 for medical advice where you need medical guidance fast but it is not an emergency. You may be referred to the local
  • Clinical Assessment Service which will navigate you to the right service.
  • Continued promotion of self-care tips around minor illnesses like colds, conjunctivitis, headaches and diarrhoea.
  • Utilisation of local pharmacies for simple health and care advice.
  • Out of hours GP service.

Email responses can be sent to [email protected]
People can write to NHS Lincolnshire West Clinical Commissioning Group, Cross O’Cliff, Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln, LN4 2HN.

Patients can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0845 602 4384 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

PALS provides confidential advice and support to patients, carers and relatives and can help with providing information about other surgeries people can register with.