Officials at the NHS have been criticised for ‘downgrading’ the level of service provided at the Bracknell Healthspace.

Until last year, the health site at Brants Bridge was a walk-in centre for those who needed urgent care.

However, the walk-in care service was closed last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillors have argued that this has reduced the care provided at Brants Bridge and has confused residents who are unaware the walk-in service has been closed. Furthermore, those with minor injuries have been encouraged to book appointments with their  GP or pharmacy rather than going to the Healthspace.

READ MORE: The £20 million community health hub which will never stand tall in Bracknell

Councillor Tony Virgo (Conservative) said: “I don’t understand why this was downgraded from urgent care to minor injuries? I just don’t get it. I think this is a really important issue and we must do something about it.

“This is a facility which was given to Bracknell because we don’t have and A&E and we don’t have any hospitals, and quite frankly when we go down there it’s a mess.

“You go down to the door and I think you have to use the intercom to say ‘I’ve got an appointment’. Presumably if you haven’t got an appointment they have the right to turn you away. This is not right. It’s not right for Bracknell and it’s not right for the residents.”

Cllr Virgo made his comments in a meeting of Bracknell Forest Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Commission.

READ MORE: Council's warning despite 'very low' cases of Indian Covid-19 variant

Councillors were also worried about misleading minutes being taken down at a previous meeting, which implied that if residents did go to the Healthspace, they would not be turned away. This is not the case, as the doors to the Healthspace are shut and patients are being encouraged to call NHS 111.

The issue of the misleading minutes was raised by Cllr Malcolm Tullett (CON), who said he felt “quite aggrieved” about the false impression given by the minutes, and expressing a worry that they were misleading as the doors of Bracknell Healthspace “are effectively shut.”

Cllr Robert Angell (CON), chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission, said “We’re finding a number of residents are still not aware that it’s not a walk-in centre.”

Patients have been urged to use NHS 111 online or by calling 111, contacting their GP, or attend a pharmacy in the first instance, or call 999 in an emergency. Any assessments conducted at the Bracknell Healthspace should be conducted through appointment only.

READ MORE: Boris Johnson warns Indian variant surge could delay June 21 lockdown plan

A spokesman for Frimley Health and Care Integrated Care System (ICS), which runs some of the services at Bracknell Healthspace, said: “The Urgent Care Centre at Brants Bridge in Bracknell (also known as the Bracknell Healthspace) remains an important facility in local healthcare and continues to offer services to residents of the area.

“As part of the wider health and care system response to the Covid-19 pandemic, walk-in access to the centre was suspended last year in order to focus system resources and to reduce the risks posed to both patients and staff.

“Walk-in access remains suspended for the current time.

“Urgent face-to-face appointments continue to be available at Brants Bridge for people across Bracknell and the wider area and are arranged via the NHS 111 system, which can be accessed online – https://111.nhs.uk/ – or over the phone.

“Face-to-face appointments are provided based on patient’s assessed clinical need. Anyone with non-urgent medical concerns should continue to contact their GP practice or visit their local pharmacy for help and advice.”

It is not known when the walk-in service at Bracknell Healthspace will be re-instated. Scrutiny of the level of care is provided at Brants Bridge is undertaken by the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Commission which met online on Wednesday, May 26.