Bitterne health centre opening hours slashed

bitterne walk in health centreOpening hours at the Bitterne Walk-in Health Centre will be slashed following a 13-week public consultation into the future of the service.

Both choices offered in the consultation were to significantly reduce hours from the current 8am to - 9.30pm opening, seven days a week.

Option 1  was for the service to be available during weekends and bank holidays, while the Option 2 was for the service to be available during weekday evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

NHS Southampton City says 81% of respondents chose Option 2, 5% chose Option 1, and 14% of respondents did not select an option.

NHS Southampton City’s Trust Board met on Thursday March 24, and the decision was taken to implement Option 2 - to have the service available during weekday evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

It’s not yet known when the new cut back opening times will be implemented.

"Clinically appropriate and sustainable services"

Dr Adrian Higgins Clinical, Director of NHS Southampton City, who led the consultation activity, said: “The decision taken today by NHS Southampton City is the result of two years of work reviewing how unscheduled care services are provided in the City. During that time many heartfelt views have been expressed and we would like to thank all those who took the time to respond. The decision on the Bitterne walk-in service reflects our commitment to ensure services are clinically appropriate and sustainable and will help ensure that patients are assessed at the right time, in the right place in a way that offers the best value for money.”

"Choice between reduction, or even greater reduction"

Meanwhile John Denham, MP for Southampton Itchen, commented: "If you give people a choice between a reduction in opening hours, or an even greater reduction in opening hours they're obviously going to opt for the former, so today's announcement doesn't come as much of a surprise.  Although local campaigners may not have got the result they wanted, the consultation shows they were at least successful in making sure their voices were heard by NHS Southampton.
 
"Now we need to focus on some of the other issues raised in the consultation - such as making sure GP's offer alternative walk-in services and that transport links are up to scratch -  so as to make sure everyone in Southampton is able to access the services they need."

John Denham MP outside Bitterne Walk In health centre

 












John Denham MP

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