HEALTHCARE bosses said robust plans are in place for when the walk-in centre in Hereford closes this Friday evening.

The GP Access Centre next to Asda will close at 8pm on Friday.

Preparations will begin to refurbish the centre into the new home for the Ross Road branch of Moorfield House Surgery, as well as the extended evening and weekend primary care service hub, operated by Taurus Healthcare (currently operating at Wargrave House Surgery on St Owen Street in Hereford).

Lesley Woakes, head of primary care at Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "We are working very closely with Primecare- with staff at the centre. "We have got leaflets going down this week for them to give out. They have had some already."

Buzzers are also being installed at the centre which will go through to the NHS 111 number and banners will be in place.

She said the Dental Access Centre on site will still be accessible.

The new GP surgery will be open in approximately eight weeks.

Dr Ian Tait, GP and Chair of Herefordshire CCG said: “There are a lot of alternatives to get help if you need it.

“I would encourage people to call their GP surgery in the first instance (you will be seen if your need is an urgent one), ring NHS 111 for healthcare advice or visit their local pharmacy.

“Also, if you are not already registered with a GP, I would encourage people to do so. There is strong evidence to show that people have much better health outcomes when they are registered, because you will have better access to the appropriate services and be seen by someone who knows you and your healthcare needs.”

Contact your nearest GP surgery to register or you can find more information on how to register on the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk