CHANGES to Haslemere Hospital minor injuries unit are in the offing as part of an NHS review of walk-in services for people who need help urgently, but when it’s not an emergency.

The review of urgent care was presented to members of Surrey County Council adults and health select committee by representatives from clinical commissioning groups, Surrey Heartlands and GP surgeries.

Information supplied at the meeting showed 8,000 patients accessed Haslemere minor injuries -nit in 2017/18.

Councillors raised concerns about demand for urgent care going up.

A shortlist for changes in Guidford and Waverley is expected later this year, following a public consultation.

Grayshott GP Dr Seun Akande said: “Over the next few months we will be working with local people to develop a clear picture of the best way to provide urgent care across Guildford and Waverley.

“Importantly this isn’t about money. We are not looking to make savings. Instead we’re looking for ways to deliver more with the same money.

“We also need to think about how we meet new national requirements.

“NHS England wants to standardise the type of walk-in services that are available and has set clear criteria for what they call ‘Urgent Treatment Centres’.

“Most of our walk-in facilities in Surrey – including the minor injuries unit at Haslemere Hospital – don’t meet this new specification, so we also need to decide what we do about this.”

* Guildford and Waverley clinical commissioning group will run a series of engagement events from mid-July to September. More information shortly at guildfordandwaverleyccg.nhs.uk.