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Norwich Walk-in Centre Update

Published on 17 May 2023 07:44 AM

Following a nine-week consultation on the future of the Norwich Walk-in, NHS Norfolk and Waveney has listened to public feedback and recommended that the Walk-in Centre, at Rouen Road, should remain open when the current contract expires at the end of March 2024. They would also like to investigate the possibility of creating more capacity at the Walk-in centre. The final decision will be made on 30th May by the Board of NHS Norfolk and Waveney.

Feedback from local patients was strongly in favour of keeping the Walk-in Centre. Age UK Norwich contributed to the consultation as part of the feedback from a wider group of stakeholders, ensuring that the older person’s perspective was included.   

The consultation also focused on the wider provision of primary care in the Norfolk and Waveney area, looking at what patients felt was important regarding their healthcare and how they would like to see GP services delivered in the future.  

In total, there were 3,043 survey responses received online and in writing. In addition, there were 14 qualitative 1:1 feedback sessions with organisations and charities supporting vulnerable people and 9 Independent communications from other organisations, such as local councils and healthcare providers. There was also an online petition to “Save Norwich Walk-in Centre” and another petition submitted by the Norwich Labour Party.  

Some of the key themes that emerged from the consultation were:

  • The Walk-in centre was highly valued and considered to be an essential service.
  • The consultation focused on Norwich, but it was noted that the Walk-in centre has a wider geographical reach.
  • Local people would like to see additional Walk-in Centres around the county.
  • There was a feeling that GP practices are not able to cope with the current demand for appointments.
  • If the Walk-in centre was to close the A&E would be the next likely option for patients to attend.
  • The Walk-in centre provides immediate/urgent appointments.
  • There was widespread concern regarding access to health care for vulnerable patients if the Walk-in centre was to close.

You can read the full consultation report “Providing general practice services in Norwich” here:

https://improvinglivesnw.org.uk/~documents/route%3A/download/616/