Putnoe Walk In Centre Latest: Six-Month Stay of Execution Announced by NHS Commissioners

Bedfordshire NHS Clinical Commissioning today announced a six month reprieve for the Putnoe Walk In Centre, announcing an extension to its contract from 31st March to 30th September, 'while a new Urgent Treatment Centre is set up in Bedford.'

Commenting on the news, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "While this is better than closure in just a couple of months' time, I do not agree that the Putnoe Walk In Centre should close at all. I believe that the Urgent Treatment Centre at Bedford Hospital should be additional to the Walk-In Centre, as it serves a different purpose, in a different location and fulfils a distinct, important need.'

"I will keep making this case, including when I attend as a member of the public at the CCG's governing body meeting tomorrow, but I wanted to share this news as soon as possible."

The full statement from the CCG is as follows:

Contract for Walk in centre extended

Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group and the Partners at The Putnoe Medical Centre have agreed to extend the contract for the Walk in Centre for a further six months, while a new Urgent Treatment Centre is set up in Bedford.

The Putnoe Walk In Centre provides urgent care to approximately 35,000 patients each year and has played an important role in making sure that patients can access care when they need it.

The original contract for The Putnoe Walk In Centre was due to expire on 31 March 2018, with patients benefitting from a new Urgent Treatment Centre, developed in line with national mandates, where patients can access appointments and undergo simple diagnostics including blood tests and x-rays if required. However, Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group has delayed these plans until 1 October 2018, to ensure the new service can meet patient needs.

Dr Alvin Low, Clinical Chair at Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group said:

"We are committed to making sure patients in Bedford can access the care they need at the right time and in the right place.

"The Putnoe Walk In Centre is a much valued service and will continue to run until 30 September 2018, when the new Urgent Treatment Centre will open at a different location.

"We are grateful for the support and flexibility of the Partners at Putnoe Medical Centre and look forward to working closely with them as we transition from the Walk In Centre to a new facility in Bedford.

"Over the coming months, we will engage with local communities to provide information about the new service and ensure that patients' views are considered in all decisions."

"The Putnoe Medical Centre provides very good quality care for its patients. The contract for their registered patients will continue for the next 3-5 years and is not affected by the changes to the Walk In Centre.

Once the Walk In Centre closes on 30 September 2018, Putnoe Medical Centre will provide a six day GP service for registered patients and to any new patients living within its boundaries who wish to register with them.

From 1 April 2018, the Walk In Centre's opening hours will change to 8am - 6pm Monday - Friday and 8am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, contact Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group on 01525 624275.

ENDS