Walk-in centre moves

OLDHAM’S new health one-stop shop has now opened for patients seeking treatment.

The Urgent Care Centre is based on the ground floor of the £20 million Oldham Integrated Care Centre, next to the town centre bus station in New Radcliffe Street.

It includes the NHS Oldham Walk-in Centre, which has moved from its former base in John Street.

The Urgent Care Centre also includes the GP out-of-hours service, which has moved from Yates Street, Oldham.

Bringing the services together means patients with minor injuries and illness can be seen without an appointment by the most appropriate health practitioner. This will usually be a nurse who can assess and treat patients, with rapid access to a doctor if needed.

The range of services will expand in 2010 as new diagnostic equipment, including X-ray machines, is installed.

Gail Richards, NHS Oldham chief executive, said: “We’re very happy to see the Urgent Care Centre become reality and deliver a modern, high-quality service for patients. We are sure it will bring many benefits to residents. We feel it will help patients get the care they need for minor injuries and illnesses when they need it quickly.”

NHS Oldham, Oldham Community Health Services and GO To DOC have worked closely to merge and adapt the services.

Dr Brian Lewis, chairman of GO To DOC, said: “Patients coming to the Urgent Care Centre will be assessed on arrival and then directed to the most appropriate person for treatment as quickly as possible. We anticipate that waiting times will usually be shorter than in the hospital’s accident and emergency department.”

Other services at the Integrated Care Centre include Citizens’ Advice Bureau, health information and advice services, Patient Advice and Liaison Service and emergency dental services.

Services formerly based at Marjory Lees and Cannon Street health centres have moved into the centre, along with five GP practices and community dental services.

Other services will be moving in over time.

To contact the Urgent Care Centre call 0161-621 3737 or for out-of-hours GP services, phone 0161-336 3252.