CCG starts procurement for service it was forced to keep open

NHS Corby CCG said it wanted to “avert the risk” of no service being in place when the current UCC contract expires at the end of March 2019.

Last month a high court judge threw out the CCG’s plans to replace the walk-in UCC with an appointment-only primary care hub, which was to provide GP-led care for minor injuries.

The judge ruled that the CCG failed to consult on the services changes, despite promising to do so. The CCG has now said its focus will be “entirely on securing the continuity of the current service”.

The CCG said a new contract would “allow time for a further considered debate with the people of Corby about the long-term shape of local services”.

The CCG could not confirm the expected value of the contract. Lakeside Plus is the current provider of the service.

Joanne Watt, clinical chair of Corby CCG, said: “We have always said that our plans for a same day access hub meant no significant change in service, and the judge agreed with that.”

“However, it is a priority for us to ensure no disruption in local health services. The CCG has been through a period of significant legal challenge and this is the best way of ensuring continuity of service,” Dr Watt said.