In order to maintain patient and staff safety, Litherland Walk-in Centre will move to a telephone triage and appointment system, with effect from today (1 April 2020).

Open access will still be available to all, however to reduce the number of face-to-face consultations, patients will now be triaged over the phone based on clinical need.

Appropriate advice will be given on the call and where necessary, an appointment will be allocated at the walk-in centre. This telephone triage approach will be consistent with the model being used by other walk-in centres across Sefton and Liverpool.

The number patients are now advised to call before accessing Litherland Walk-in Centre is: 0300 100 1004 where they will also be screened for potential symptoms of Coronavirus (Covid-19).

Those who only have Covid-19 symptoms will be directed to NHS 111. If you have Covid-19 symptoms and still require walk-in centre treatment for another problem (e.g. for minor injury) you will still be triaged and seen.

Dr Rachel Williams, Associate Medical Director for Sefton, said:

“The steps we’re taking will help us maintain patient safety by supporting social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak. The telephone triage system will ensure that we can provide safe and effective care for all.”

John Heritage, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“We aren’t prepared to compromise patient safety and want to ensure clinical quality, which is why we have introduced this new system at Litherland Walk-in Centre.”

“If anyone thinks they might have coronavirus symptoms, please follow the government’s advice by staying at home and contacting NHS 111 online.” 

For further information on our walk-in centres in Knowsley and Sefton, please visit: http://www.nwbh.nhs.uk/walk-in-centres