Closing walk-in-centres in north Essex would pile on more pressure to an already stretched A&E department, according to Colchester MP Will Quince. The North East Essex Clinical Commission Group has launched a consultation about the future of walk-in centres, which could have a radical impact on care services.
The three options being considered are to create a single minor injury service wherever there is greatest need in Colchester and Tendring, close Colchester’s walk-in centre and two minor injury units in Clacton and Harwich, or to continue the three centres with no changes.
Responding to the consultation, Conservative MP Mr Quince said he would like to see all three remain open, but does not think it is likely.
He said: “Speaking broadly, I have deep concerns over the direction which the North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (the CCG) is looking to travel.
“Even with services being provided by both the walk-in centre and the minor injuries units in Clacton and Harwich, there continues to be pressure on A&E services and it is forecast to grow.
“Whilst the principle being put forward is these services can be obtained by patients visiting their GP, everyone is aware of long waiting lists and difficulties in getting said appointments.
“This is driving visits to A&E, and steps to remove the walk-in centre will simply exacerbate this.
“Nor do I consider the second recommendation of ceasing provision of services at the locations to be realistic.”
He added: “We need to make more effective use of the walk-in centre in order to minimise pressure on A&E at Colchester General Hospital.
Full Story in Maldon Standard, 13 January 2017