A WALK-IN centre service for those unable to get an appointment with a doctor will continue in Weymouth.

From the end of June a two-year contract extension has been awarded to Weymouth Walk-In Centre and Weymouth Health Centre.

This means ‘walk-in’ services at Weymouth Community Hospital, will remain available, including the 8am to 8pm service for people without a GP or unable to access an appointment.

During this extended period, a project team made up of local partners will be exploring if specific services provided can work more effectively with other local services, specifically Weymouth Minor Injuries Unit and Out of Hours services at Weymouth Community Hospital beyond the two-year extension.

Dr Karen Kirkham, locality chairman for Weymouth and Portland with NHS Dorset CCG, said: “The service sits alongside the Minor Injuries Unit and other out-of-hours services.

“ Now we have agreed an extension to the current contract we have the opportunity to explore if and how services can better work together to meet the requirements of local people.”

She added: “ The top priority for everyone in healthcare is the wellbeing of the local community.

“We want to work with, and listen to, local people to understand local health needs, and the extended contract gives us sufficient time to ensure what is on offer in the future is appropriate.”

This work is led by NHS Dorset CCG in conjunction with local partners including NHS England, Dorset HealthCare, Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, The Practice plc – current provider of Weymouth Health Centre services – Dorset County Council and social services.

Any questions can be directed to a member of the project team via communications@dorsetccg.nhs.uk or 01305 213503.