Walk-in health centre opens doors

A £2m walk-in health centre staffed by GPs and offering services 365 days a year has opened in Norwich city centre.

Timberhill Health Centre is based in Castle Mall and is run by a consortium of 15 local GP surgeries.

The centre is the first in Norfolk to offer X-ray services away from a hospital and has its own minor surgery unit, the consortium said.

"By the end of its first year about 1,200 patients may be registered with the centre's GPs," a spokesman said.

"There could be up to as many as 14 patients per hour using the walk-in, non-registered service."

The GPs also offer minor surgery, sexual health advice, blood testing and minor injuries treatment.

Additional services include childhood immunisations, help to give up smoking and physiotherapy.

Registered patients will get help with the management of a number of longer-term conditions including chronic heart disease, cancer and mental health issues.