The Guildhall Walk-In is a well used health service in the heart of Portsmouth
The local clinical commissioning group announced last Autumn it was consulting on the much-loved healthcare centre’s future including the potential closure of the walk-in service.
Stephen Morgan, Labour’s candidate for Portsmouth City Council’s Charles Dickens ward in the elections on May 5, led a campaign to save the popular health service in his ward, in the heart of Portsmouth.
Over a 1,000 signatories signed a petition online, on the doorstep or at street stalls set up by Stephen. Local businesses backed the campaign, which also received the backing of the actor who plays Dr Dominic Copeland, of Holby City fame
Stephen said:
“As usual, the service at the healthcare centre was excellent. I was seen within ten minutes of hobbling in, and the quality of care second to none.
After walking over 100,000 steps whilst out talking to residents across Charles Dickens over the last few evenings, I’ve got a torn ligament. Thankfully nothing serious. The doctor has prescribed painkillers, some rest (which will have to wait until after the election!) and suggested some more sensible shoes for pounding the pavements”.
The CCG has agreed to retain a practice in the city centre, and continue the option for registered patients to ‘walk in and wait’. This will mean that between now and 30 June, the GP practice service will remain entirely unchanged. Services will be enhanced at St Mary’s Treatment Centre as well as improved pharmacy services in the city centre commissioned.
Stephen added:
“It was good to see the service today is as useful as ever. I’m pleased that thanks to our campaign, the clinical commissioning group reconsidered their plans and some health services will remain in the heart of the city”.
For more information about the campaign to save the Guildhall Walk-In visit www.stephenjmorgan.org
