The future of NHS Walk in centre in Wakefield is under review
Health bosses say fewer people are using the facility
Last updated 3rd Sep 2026
The future of Wakefield city centre’s NHS walk-in centre has been placed under review because the service “no longer reflects how people choose to access care,” health chiefs have said.
Councillors have been told a public consultation could be held once a “range of options” for the facility on King Street have been determined.
A report to Wakefield Council’s adult services and health scrutiny committee said: “More people are choosing same-day help through their GP or local pharmacy, and demand for these services has grown quickly over the last five years.
“At the same time, fewer people are using King Street Walk-In Centre.
“This suggests the current service model no longer reflects how people choose to access care.
“We need to plan carefully for the future.
“We want to manage access for people who need it most, improve the experience of getting help quickly and make sure services are sustainable.”
The centre, which offers assessment, diagnosis and treatment of urgent, non-life threatening illnesses and minor injuries, has faced an uncertain future for a number of years
More than 2,000 people signed a petition calling for it to be saved when it was placed under review in 2022.
At the time, Wakefield MP Simon Lightwood made the issue a key focus of his parliamentary by-election campaign, saying closure could lead to a “healthcare black hole”.
Following the outcry, Wakefield District Health and Care Partnership (WDHCP) secured a three-year lease on the centre which was due to end in October this year.
A WDHCP briefing document said the contract had been extended to October 2027 and could be extended for a further 12 months.
But the report also said a review was underway into “how same-day health care in Wakefield district can work better for local people.”
A survey involving 388 patients and members of the public was carried out earlier this year as part of the process.
Key findings from the engagement revealed that the most common reasons for people attending the centre were due to infections, sore throats, high temperatures, rashes, stomach pains, minor injuries and pain.
The report said: “Most respondents noted using the service for specific episodes of illness or injury.
“A smaller group said they used it more frequently, often during periods of illness escalation, perceived difficulty in accessing GP care, and managing long-term conditions or children’s illnesses.
“There was positive feedback about the service, with some suggestions for operational improvements including waiting times at busy periods, privacy at reception, waiting room environment, parking and accessibility.”
It added: “We are currently developing a range of options for the future of the Wakefield Walk-in Centre service.
“These options are being considered carefully before any proposals are finalised, so that we can understand the benefits, risks and impacts for local people.”
A wider public consultation could be carried out once options have been referred to NHS England.
Councillors will consider the report at a meeting on September 10th.