Minor illness and injury services at the Bracknell Urgent Care Centre are to be temporarily suspended as part of the national effort to combat Covid-19 (coronavirus).
In recent weeks, local health services have changed the way they work in order to support the national effort to halt the spread and the impact of the virus.
Hospitals have postponed elective surgery, GPs have moved to a phone or online initial appointment system and many other services are operating remotely – all in line with national guidance.
Across the country, NHS staff have been redeployed into new, temporary roles, to increase the response to Covid-19 and to support those treating the most seriously ill patients.
The impact of the virus and the national lockdown – with most people now staying at home as instructed – has resulted in attendances at the Bracknell Urgent Care Centre falling by 75 per cent.
In order to make the best use of resources, local NHS commissioners have taken the decision to temporarily suspend minor illness and injury services at Bracknell Urgent Care Centre from the end of Friday 1 May. This will allow clinicians from the unit to be redeployed to where their skills can be put to the best use.
Our top priority is to keep our patients and staff safe and to ensure patients get the care they need. Patients will still be able to access treatment for minor illness via their GP surgery, which they can access by phone or online. Further information is available on their practice website and help is also available via the NHS111 service, by dialling 111 or visiting: www.111.nhs.uk.
Anybody needing treatment for injuries such as suspected fractures or broken bones should still attend their local Accident and Emergency unit in the normal way (Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, Frimley Park Hospital, Frimley, or the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading).
The change will mean some patients will have to travel further for treatment. However, this is a temporary measure aimed at making the best use of valuable clinical expertise and resources during extraordinary times.
NHS East Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Group will continue to monitor the situation and will work with local people, the local authority, NHS England and other partners to ensure that Berkshire residents who use Bracknell Urgent Care Centre will continue to receive the services they need.
This is a temporary change to the service for our local population and we will continue to monitor and review the impact. The CCG would like to thank local residents for their understanding while these changes are in place and also for their continued support to the lockdown measures in order to stop the spread of the virus.
A number of other services will continue to be available at Brants Bridge by pre-booked appointment only. Patients will no longer be able to walk into Bracknell Urgent Care Centre to receive minor injury or minor illness care.