The Echo reports (Nov 12) that the walk-in health centre in Bitterne "is safe from the axe", although "its opening hours will be slashed". Meanwhile MP John Denham (pictured) has said that "reducing its opening hours is an unacceptable withdrawal of services". Click 'Read more' to find out how to participate in the consultation
The formal consultation that has been launched offers two options: opening the centre on weekends and bank holidays, or opening on weekends, bank holidays and evenings.
According to the 'NHS Choices' website, currently the centre is open for "healthcare advice, information, and treatment from specially trained nurses 365 days a year, with no appointment necessary", Monday to Sunday 8am-9.30pm
Itchen Labour MP John Denham said: “When we campaigned at Bitterne Market to save the walk-in centre we had so many people anxious to sign our petition that we found it almost impossible to set up or close down our stall, because of the queues that formed. This shows just how much people value the services the walk-in centre provides.
“It’s obviously good news that closing the centre completely isn’t on the agenda. However, many of the people I talked to, or who have written to me, depend on the immediate access the walk-in centre offers. Health bosses are arguing that GPs will still be available during the day, but the reason the walk-in centre is so valuable is because people don’t have to wait for an appointment with their GP, which can take some time to schedule.
“I will be asking what steps are being taken to guarantee immediate access to GPs’ services, and making sure that as many people as possible take part in the consultation process.”
NHS Southampton City says in its 'full consultation document' (available to download as a PDF from this link) that things need to change because: "the introduction of extended hours in primary care, and enhanced services in pharmacies has meant that there are times when walk-in services are available at the same time as GP practices and pharmacies, resulting in a doubling-up of services. This means that NHS Southampton City is effectively paying for the same service twice on behalf of the local population."
You can take part in this consultation by following this link (although it doesn't appear to be possible to submit the form without choosing one of the two options being put forward by the NHS, both of which call for a significant reduction in opening hours.)
The deadline for feedback is Friday February 11, 2011.
Various public meetings and exhibitions about the proposals are also planned: details from this page.