A SERVICE providing urgent care services has extended its stay in Herefordshire.

Taurus Healthcare Ltd, part of a Prime Ministers Access Fund pilot, has bases in Hereford, Leominster and Ross-on-Wye.

It was set-up as part of a national pilot to extend GP services into weekends and evenings.

Bosses have told the Hereford Times this afternoon that it has secured funding from NHS England to "remain operational" for a short period past March 31 when the Prime Ministers Access Fund pilot is due to come to an end.

"Taurus Healthcare Ltd, the GP federation and the CCG are working actively with colleagues in NHS England, to secure ongoing funding for this very popular and successful service," said Taurus in a statement.

"To continue to deliver services whilst these discussions continue, additional funding has been secured for a further period which will enable the service to remain operational whilst these discussions are completed.

"The CCG has an ongoing programme of patient and public engagement on the Urgent Care Pathway. The continuation of this process will seek further the views of local people and the wider community."

As reported by the Hereford Times yesterday, CCG bosses say they are considering closing the GP walk-in centre in Hereford and minor injury units in Leominster, Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury and Kington.

In their place, the CCG says it is currently working with GPs and NHS England to take forward the "development and implementation of seven-day GP services".