One Norwich Practices (ONP), the organization that operates the Rouen Road NHS walk-in center in Norwich, has announced that it will be closing in the coming months due to financial difficulties. As a result, NHS bosses are now searching for alternative providers to offer the services previously provided by ONP, including vulnerable adult services and a GP surgery with over 10,000 registered patients. The closure raises concerns about how the thousands of people who rely on ONP will access healthcare if alternative providers cannot be found. NHS Norfolk and Waveney’s chief executive, Tracey Bleakley, expressed disappointment and emphasized the importance of minimizing disruption to patient services.
The closure of ONP’s walk-in center comes after a period of uncertainty regarding its future, with NHS bosses considering closing the facility. ONP’s interim chief executive, Paul Wood, stated that the organization cannot remain financially and operationally sustainable beyond 2023. He assured that ONP will work closely with NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board to ensure a smooth transition and the transfer of services to new providers. Wood also emphasized that no statutory redundancies will be made until the outcome of the service transfer plans is known. ONP currently provides healthcare access for asylum seekers and runs an asthma service in schools.
However, the closure of ONP has raised concerns among local councillors, who fear the potential disastrous effects on healthcare provision in the city. Green councillor Lucy Galvin expressed deep concern and highlighted the potential strain on other local services, including A&E at the hospital. She called for clarity regarding the impact of this announcement on patients, staff, and access to vital healthcare. Earlier this year, concerns about ONP’s financial situation were raised when a study from Healthwatch found that the walk-in center was running at a loss. Alex Stewart, the chief executive of Healthwatch Norfolk, expressed concern about the circumstances leading to the closure and called for transparent and efficient communication to ensure people are informed about their care.
The Norwich Practices Health Centre in Rouen Road, operated by ONP, is the busiest GP surgery in the city area and the second busiest in Norfolk overall. In August alone, 12,731 appointments were held at the center. The closure of ONP’s services will create uncertainty for the patients who rely on them and highlights the need to find alternative providers to ensure continued access to healthcare. NHS bosses are working to secure new providers for the services previously offered by ONP, including the walk-in center, vulnerable adult services, and the GP surgery. The focus now is on minimizing disruption and ensuring that patients can receive the care they need.
