A public consultation on the future of Lincoln’s Walk-in-Centre has been extended.
NHS Lincolnshire West Clinical Commissioning Group launched the consultation last month proposing to close the site.
Health bosses say they can replace services at the centre by extending hours in alternative GP surgeries, enhancing the NHS 111 service and supporting people to self-manage their health conditions.
The CCG has received almost 2,000 consultation responses and now the organisation has extended the process from August 6 until Friday, August 18, to make sure as many people get the chance to have their say as possible.
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.”
Further public drop-in sessions will also be held on Wednesday, August 9, between 10am and 1pm and later that day between 4pm and 7pm at Abbey Access Centre, Monks Road, Lincoln.
A review of the service found most users at the Monks Road site are either students and/or patients registered with Lincoln city centre medical practices.
Health bosses say 95 per cent of Lincoln Walk-in-Centre users required no investigation or treatment, or received minor treatment for minor ailments.
The latter includes help for minor illnesses such as a cold, headache or conjunctivitis – which could be treated using over the counter medicines from pharmacies.
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.
Article originally appeared on Lincolnshire Live
