| New NHS walk-in health centres launched |
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LONDON: Two new walk-in centres under the National Health Scheme allowing commuters to get medical treatment on the way to and from work came into being Tuesday.
Health secretary Patricia Hewitt officially launched the two centres, located at London Liverpool Street and Manchester Piccadilly train stations. The centres will remain open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and patients will not require an appointment to approach the medical attendant.
Hewitt said these centres are in response to the public demand for faster, more convenient NHS services. "Many banks and supermarkets are now open round the clock -- the NHS needs to move to match people's expectations for extended opening hours," she said.
Five more such centres will be opened shortly at King's Cross and Victoria train stations, Canary Wharf in London and at Newcastle and Leeds stations.
Each of these centres, to be run by private firms but operated under the NHS banner, will offer free treatment for minor injuries and illnesses as well provide prescriptions and healthcare advices. Each of them will cater to about 180 patients a day.
The Patients Association welcomed the measure. Its chairman Michael Summers said the centres will be of great value to patients.
The service is being managed by experienced nurse practitioners, supported by GPs and practice nurses.
There are already 66 NHS walk-in centres across the country and they have seen more than five million patients since they were introduced in 2000.
Posted
on : Wed, 25 Jan 2006 02:35 GMT | General News
By : Pippa Fielding
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