Professor David Raby and his wife, Luisa, were pleased to hear that the Rouen Road walk-in centre would not be closing down. The elderly couple are regular patients at the centre and were concerned about losing access to a doctor. However, their worries grew when they learned that there would no longer be a doctor stationed at the venue. Professor Raby believes it is essential to have a qualified doctor available at the centre, as there are certain issues that require their attention. He is concerned that without a doctor, more people will be sent to the already overloaded A&E department at the N&N Hospital.
OneNorwich Practices, the organization responsible for the walk-in centre, clarified that while there may not be a doctor stationed at the centre, there is still access to support and advice from a GP. From 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, healthcare staff at the centre can consult with a GP at the Norwich Practices Health Centre. They also have additional Saturday clinics. OneNorwich Practices has been working to reduce their reliance on temporary GP cover and instead focus on building a permanent GP-salaried workforce. They have hired three salaried permanent GPs to support the healthcare staff at the walk-in centre.
Despite the explanation provided by OneNorwich Practices, Professor Raby remains unconvinced. He argues that while there may be a GP available in some form, there will not be a GP physically present at the walk-in centre to see patients. He believes that this move is a reflection of a cost-cutting measure that will result in a downgrade in the quality of care provided. Professor Raby is worried about the impact this will have on patients who require the attention of a doctor and who may now be directed to the overloaded A&E department.
With the closure of the walk-in centre avoided, there is relief for many patients like Professor Raby and his wife. However, the removal of a stationed doctor at the centre has raised concerns about access to quality healthcare. While OneNorwich Practices assures that access to a GP is still available, Professor Raby argues that the physical presence of a doctor is necessary in certain situations. The organization’s focus on building a permanent GP-salaried workforce suggests a long-term approach to staffing, but it remains to be seen how this will affect the care provided at the walk-in centre.
