A petition has been launched against the possible closure of a health centre’s walk-in facilities.
Users of the Pinn Medical Centre, in Love Lane, Pinner, are concerned that local clinical commissioning group (CCG) funding shortages could see walk-in provisions scrapped. An online petition, which had more than 6,000 signatures, argued residents in Harrow should have access to a walk-in centre all year round – a service currently provided at the Pinn.
Last year, Alexandra Avenue Health Centre, in Harrow, lost its walk-in services as the surgery switched to appointment-only visits. Harrow CCG said the decision was taken to due to the need to improve access to primary care across the country.
Javina Seghal, managing director at Harrow CCG, said: “We want the local NHS to be as adaptive as possible to patient needs, and pre-bookable appointments ensure that people can access a GP at the right time that suits them.”
Recent feedback collected by the CCG showed most people were pleased with the new service, with 60 per cent of respondents who previously used the walk-in centre describing it as an improvement.
Several Harrow councillors were critical of the switch, citing a lack of consultation on the issue and concerns over who would be eligible to use the new service. Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West, said he would continue to fight what he sees as clear evidence of dwindling NHS resources.
This includes handing in a 2,250-signature petition on behalf of community group #Fixit Harrow calling for the changes to be reversed. Walk-in services are provided at Belmont Health Centre, with an urgent care facility at Northwick Park Hospital. Harrow CCG has been contacted for comment on the Pinn Medical Centre.
This article originally appeared on Harrow Times
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