Trust agrees GP-led health centre

The new Norwich clinic would open early next year

A new GP-led health centre has received approval from NHS Norfolk's board.

The new Norwich city-centre clinic will replace the Broadland-based Dussindale walk-in centre with extra services.

As well as drop-in doctor appointments, the new Norwich centre will offer minor surgery and services such as blood testing.

Although NHS Norfolk was not obliged to close the Dussindale centre with the opening of the new site, it said keeping both was not cost effective.

Commuter benefits

Clive Rennie, assistant director of commissioning for NHS Norfolk, said: "The board took into account the petition from residents asking that the Dussindale Walk-In Centre remain open, but it has also noted that the great majority of patients using the centre live within the Broadland area.

"It was the board's concern that this service is not fully utilised and accessible to the wider population of Norwich and surrounding villages.

"NHS Norfolk will provide a more accessible and effective delivery of doctor and nurse-led services for more registered and walk-in patients."

Mr Rennie added this would include patients from across Norwich and its surrounding villages, as well as the 50,000 commuters who travel into the city.

The Norwich GP-led health centre is due to open early next year, and will open from daily 0700 GMT to 2100 GMT.