Decision still to be made on location of new GP walk-in centre in Hereford

NHS Herefordshire has contracted Primecare, the out-of-hours service provider, to run the centre but has yet to decide where it should be.

Euan Macpherson, from NHS Herefordshire, said several options were being considered but the PCT had not made its final choice.

He said the changing economic climate saw more sites becoming available and the health authority had to be sure it had chosen the right place in the light of other health and council development proposals for the future.

Mr Macpherson said this had caused an inevitable delay but a decision on location was imminent and it was hoped the new centre would be ready before the end of the year.

It is understood Hereford County Hospital has always been the preferred choice for a GP-led drop-in centre because of its proximity to the A&E department.

But the cost and lack of space have caused problems, although negotiations are continuing with Hereford Hospitals Trust.

Victoria House in Eign Street, next to the former Victoria Eye Hospital and owned by the health authority, is also believed to be among the contenders.

It has been empty and boarded up since the end of last year but is considered to be in a good location.

Another name that has been publicly mentioned is the former Helibeds bed and mattress shop in Edgar Street which closed late last year.

But it is understood the building has been ruled out after the owners were told by ESG that it could not be considered for use as a GP walk-in centre because it was zoned within the Urban Village under the Edgar Street grid proposals.