Updated Bitterne Walk-in Centre closes permanently at the end of Saturday (Oct 31), despite a vocal camaign against cutting the popular NHS service.

 

The Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition (TUSC) have argued 73% of people taking part in a consultation about the future of the NHS facility opposed closure, and had called on the local MP, Royston Smith (Con) and the leader of the council, Simon Letts (Lab) to "refer the decision to the secretary of state for health".

You can read, and hear, coverage of the pictured protest on October 17 outside the Walk-in Centre here.

The the alternative health provision put forward by Southampton City Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) for when the Walk-in Centre closes, suggests patients:

• Ring NHS 111 (free 24/7: "offers access to out of hours GPs")
• Get advice for minor ailments and injuries at local pharmacies
• Use the Minor Injuries Unit at the Royal South Hants Hospital
• Use GP surgeries

The CCG stresses Bitterne Health Centre isn't closing - only the Walk-in Centre.

There's more information about these suggestions on the CCG's website.

Update: the Daily Echo on 30/10/15 reports that Southampton City Council leader Simon Letts has "written to the Secretary of State for Health about his concerns over the closure of the Bitterne Walk-In Centre".

Previously: Audio | Bitterne Walk-in: 'Refer closure decision to secretary of state' - protesters