PATIENTS in Colchester will soon be able to access a walk-in centre for minor illnesses and injuries. The development was given the go-ahead yesterday by the Government and will mean people can be treated for injuries such as cuts and sprains and illnesses without having to go to a major hospital.

PATIENTS in Colchester will soon be able to access a walk-in centre for minor illnesses and injuries.

The development was given the go-ahead yesterday by the Government and will mean people can be treated for injuries such as cuts and sprains and illnesses without having to go to a major hospital.

Anyone who has more serious problems will be referred back to their GP or to hospital.

It is hoped the new centre, to be opened this summer will allow patients quicker treatment and health advice for conditions which historically would have required doctor's appointments or a visit to accident and emergency.

Minister for health, John Hutton, confirmed the centre which will be part funded with a £400,000 Government grant and is part of the second phase of walk-in facilites being introduced across the country.

Brendan Osborne, Chief Executive of Colchester Primary Care Trust, said the development would bring a wider choice for people in the area.

He said: "Walk-in centres have worked well in other parts of the country, so the fact that we have been successful in our bid to bring one to Colchester is a real plus to the community.

"The centre will provide an essential third option in the town for medical care. Often people do not need to go to accident and emergency or visit their GP, but do need advice or treatment.

"By visiting a nurse or paramedic at the centre they will still be getting the required treatment from a trained health professional, only faster."

The service will be run from an interim site, the location of which is still to be decided, before moving to Essex County Hospital in Lexden Road, Colchester, as part of a reshuffle of services.

The hospital is currently used by Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust.

Alongside the walk-in facility, the centre will host the Colchester out-of-hours medical service from July 1 as part of the new local NHS direct.

It is planned that the centre will be open from 7am-10pm, 365 days a year, whilst the out-of-hours GP service will run from 6.30pm-8am Monday to Friday and 24 hours a day over the weekend and bank holidays.

Members of the public can still contact NHS Direct 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0845 46 47 .