BURY’S walk-in centre is set to move to a new building at Fairfield General with a promise to “free up” parking spaces and improve travel to the hospital – but no commitments were made over the future of the Prestwich walk-in centre.

A major redesign of the borough’s urgent care system, which includes an “enhanced” 24-hour facility at the hospital, has been given the green light.

Both walk-in facilities in the borough are currently suspended due to the pandemic with Prestwich now used as a coronavirus management service.

Under the proposals approved on Monday, the walk-in facility at Moorgate Primary Care Centre will be relocated to the 24-7 Urgent Treatment Centre in front of the accident and emergency department at Fairfield General Hospital.

An enhanced urgent treatment centre would function as a primary care facility, treat “minors” and offer mental health and GP out of hours services.

The review does not affect emergency services, but urgent care – where there is an emergency not for A&E that cannot wait for medical advice.

But the move is also set to save local authorities around £2.6m a year.

Chief executive Geoff Little explained that the aim is to simplifying services.

He said: “It’s not always clear where you should go for what type of service.

“At the same time as making these improvements, we will make some efficiency savings.”

Bury NHS clinical commissioning group (CCG) chair Dr Jeff Schryer said the urgent care changes are a “high priority” and work will progress “with speed”.

But he said there is “no commitment” over the Prestwich walk-in centre yet.

He said: “The Prestwich walk-in centre is suspended and it houses the COVID management service.

“That service is constantly under review. There’s a small but significant number of people with COVID who go through that service.

“The other really important role the COVID management service does for people with COVID who develop comorbidities which keeps practices safe.”

A review of travel and access to the hospital site is being undertaken, along with a review of car parking provision, following concerns from a consultation.

Additional parking spaces and travel schemes to help patients, visitors and staff reach the hospital are being considered to address these concerns.

Dr Schryer said Steve Taylor, Chief Officer for Bury and Rochdale Care Organisation and One Rochdale Health and Care, has committed to full review of parking at Fairfield General Hospital in a bid to “free up” spaces on site.

He added: “Many people who will come to urgent care in the future will be given appointments so there will be more equitable parking.

“The vast majority of people prefer appointments. They can plan their time, they can plan where they park, they don’t have those prolonged waiting times.

“This is a positive step in many respects. The importance of getting this right is not because it will make savings but because we know it will be better for residents and patients and the system as a whole.”