Local MP launches petition as ‘temporary’ NHS walk-in centre closure drags on

Ellesmere Port & Bromborough MP, Justin Madders, has launched an online petition calling for the urgent reopening of the NHS Eastham Walk-In Centre.

The centre, which treats non-life-threatening conditions without the need for an appointment, was originally expected to close for just four weeks between 15th December and 11th January.

The temporary closure was put in place so staff could be redeployed to other urgent care sites during an exceptionally busy winter period.

However, Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust has since confirmed the walk-in centre will “remain temporarily closed” due to “ongoing staffing pressures”.

In a petition launched on Change.org, Mr Madders wrote:

“I am calling on residents in my Ellesmere Port and Bromborough constituency and beyond to support my petition demanding the urgent reopening of the NHS Eastham Walk-In Centre, with a clear timetable for services resuming.

“What was meant to be a four-week temporary closure has now become open-ended, with no plan published to restore services. This creates a real risk that a vital NHS service is lost by default.”

Mr Madders, who represents Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, previously received backing in Parliament from Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who agreed the closure must remain a short-term measure.

The MP added:

“Vulnerable patients from my constituency are currently being forced to travel further for urgent, non-life-threatening care, placing added strain on patients and their families.

“I have repeatedly asked Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust to confirm when the centre will reopen, but no clear timescale has been provided.

“Please sign my petition to demand the urgent reopening of Eastham Walk-In Centre.”

Mr Madders previously campaigned alongside Birkenhead MP Alison McGovern to keep the centre permanently open.

While the walk-in service remains closed, Eastham Clinic itself continues to provide other services, including community nursing, continence care and speech and language therapy.

Alternative walk-in services are available at:

* Victoria Central Walk-In Centre, Mill Lane, Wallasey

* Urgent Treatment Centre, Arrowe Park Hospital, Upton

* Minor Injury and Illness Service, Miriam Medical Centre, Birkenhead

Residents can sign and share the petition online here: 

https://c.org/bdr8MPMgY8