Putnoe Walk-In Centre Saved: Service will Stay Open, With Reduced Hours

Bedfordshire NHS CCG has today announced that Putnoe Walk-In Centre will remain open, with a new two-year contract awarded to Putnoe Medical Centre to continue running the service.

The news comes after the CCG brought a sudden halt to its consultation on the closure of the popular facility last month, in the face of overwhelming opposition to the plans. The new contract will see the walk-in centre operate with reduced hours on weekdays, from 8am-2pm, while weekend opening will remain as 8am to 5pm.

Mayor Dave Hodgson and Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have fought tirelessly to save the Walk-In Centre, and Mayor Dave commented on his Facebook page in the wake of the news as follows:

"PUTNOE WALK-IN CENTRE UPDATE:

Bedfordshire NHS CCG has announced that the walk-in centre will remain OPEN following the award of a new two-year contract to the Putnoe Medical Centre.

You may recall that the CCG abruptly halted its recent consultation on its plans to close the centre next year while it was still going on. That was partly thanks to the overwhelming response in support of the walk-in centre, and it's been followed by this welcome reversal.

So, a huge thank you to everyone who spoke up in support of this service and everyone who's been part of the campaign against closure

The opening hours are being reduced on weekdays, to 8am -2pm only (weekends hours are remaining as 8am-5pm). This is a disappointing reduction in service, and one which I believe could have been avoided had the CCG handled this much better, and not sought to close the service in the first place.

However, having faced closure, we are in a MUCH better position than we were, thanks to everyone who's fought for Putnoe Walk-In Centre. I'll keep working with the Commissioners and the providers to seek the best possible service for residents, and will be talking to users of both the Walk-In Centre and the new Urgent Trearment Centre at Bedford Hospital which opens next month and working with NHS Commissioners accordingly.

I'll also be seeking progress on new extended hours arrangements at GP practices, which have long been promised and should improve access to care for people across the Borough.

Finally, thanks again to all patients and supporters of Putnoe Walk-In Centre!"