'Positive' meeting held over Telford walk-in GP service closure

Councillor Shaun Davies and deputy leader, Councillor Richard Overton, met with two senior health managers from Telford and Wrekin clinical commissioning group (CCG) yesterday.

It followed the announcement that Malling Health Wrekin walk-in centre, based next to Telford's Princess Royal Hospital, will close in July.

As well as the walk-in facility, the centre has 8,000 patients on its books that will now have to transfer to another GP.

Councillor Davies said his main concerns were what would happen to the registered patients, and the future of access to out-of-hours services and provision for homeless people. But he said he had been offered reassurances from health bosses plans were being put in place to make sure there was no gap in health provision when the walk-in centre closes.

An online petition against the plans has now been signed by more than 200 people.

Councillor Davies said: "I received a lot of emails from concerned people.

"I put forward the case that we really do need clear communication on this.

"They told me that next week they will start to design the new model which will come into force when the walk-in centre shuts.

"I have said there has to be access to an out of hours service. That's how we divert pressure from A&E.

"They have to start making sure things are in place now so there is no gap in health provision. In terms of homelessness, the CCG has said it will work with homeless charities so homeless people have access to services. It was a positive meeting.

"There is a national issue here as well. The CCGs are doing what they can but we need to have more resources and funding for the NHS."

Telford and Wrekin CCG spokesman Gary Young added: "We had a very productive meeting with the council and were happy to have the opportunity to address their questions.

"We believe we were able to reassure councillors that we will be contacting patients of the GP service directly and that we are working on plans to look at what alternatives for weekend services can be put in place to benefit the whole of Telford and Wrekin."

The online petition at www.change.org was started by Jason Stephen and calls for the walk-in centre to be kept open.

Its supporters have more than tripled in a matter of days and more comments have flooded in online.

Skirma Strazdausksite, of Hadley, Telford, said: "I and my family are registered in Malling.

"This medical practice is very needed and it is one of the best."

Elaine Gray, of Wellington, also wrote: "I feel it will put a strain on local GP practices & ultimately lead to more people going to the A&E department."

Gillian Hopkins, of Lawley Village, added: "The centre was a lifeline when I couldn't get an appointment at my registered doctors."

The decision to close the walk-in centre is due to be formally ratified on Tuesday.

Health bosses said there are staffing issues, including a heavy reliance on locum GPs, and £500,000 would have to be spent on the ageing demountable building where it is based.