Health minister visits Yarmouth centre

HEALTH minister Ann Keen hailed the impact of new walk-in clinics as she formally opened the Greyfriars Health Centre in Yarmouth yesterday.The GP-led centre, open seven days a week throughout the year from 8am to 8pm, has already served nearly 2,000 walk-in patients in its first three months of operation.

HEALTH minister Ann Keen hailed the impact of new walk-in clinics as she formally opened the Greyfriars Health Centre in Yarmouth yesterday.

The GP-led centre, open seven days a week throughout the year from 8am to 8pm, has already served nearly 2,000 walk-in patients in its first three months of operation.

Unveiling an entrance plaque in the portable building, which will be replaced by a permanent facility in three years, Ms Keen described walk-in centres as “the way forward”.

“Health concerns and illnesses don't just happen within certain hours. Historically, people might have gone to A and E outside surgery hours but walk-in centres are certainly preferable,” she said.

The centre, inspired by Lord Darzi, was the first such walk-in centre to open in the region - a similar facility opened in Castle Mall, Norwich, earlier this month.

David Edwards, chairman of NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, said their aim was for the centre to be a one-stop hub of health facilities, from blood testing to sexual health services, as well as offering GP consultations.

He stressed the importance of the centre, which will cost up to �8m by the time the permanent building work is done, being local to people's homes and places of work.

Its worth had already been shown by the number of users, and its impact in relieving pressure on local GP surgeries.