A £400,000 walk-in centre in Colchester will provide faster medical treatment and advice.

Minister for Health John Hutton announced the town's bid for the centre had been successful.

People will be able to get expert help with minor injuries like cuts, sprains, strains and illness.

The centre will be set up and equipped thanks to a £400,000 grant from the Department of Health.

It will be run by nurse practitioners and community paramedics from Essex Ambulance Service.

The Primary Care Trust (PCT) will also fund the centre, which including out-of-hours services will cost between £1 million and £1.5 million a year to run.

Although a site for the unit has yet to be decided, a town centre location is planned.

Published Tuesday January 6, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette