SUNDAY services at a walk-in centre earmarked for the axe are set to change.

Accrington Victoria Hospital’s GP centre will remain open until June 16.

It will be replaced by a new system of GP access in the area.

As part of a phased closure, from Sunday, April 8, the Accrington walk in centre service will be changing.

The change may see people redirected to an alternative service on Sundays from this date.

Other services provided in the hospital including the Minor Injuries Unit are not affected.

Patients have been asked to access GP appointments and other services directly from April 8 by calling 111.

There are also three pharmacies open in Hyndburn on a Sunday who can provide self-care advice in relation to minor ailments and these are:

- Accrington Late Night, 88 Blackburn Road, 10-8pm

- Well Pharmacy, 406 Blackburn Road, 10-4pm

- Tesco, Eagle Street, 11-5pm

Mark Youlton, accountable officer at East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “The CCG previously announced that the contract for the Accrington Walk in Centre (WIC) will close on 16th June this year.

“As part of a phased closure, from Sunday, April 8, the Accrington walk in centre service will be changing and you may be redirected to an alternative service on Sundays from this date.

“Patients will still be able to access GP services if appropriate as the new “extended access” GP scheme has been running since December.

“Rather than walk in, patients can phone up beforehand.

“By calling 111, they will be directed to the most appropriate service for them including a GP services if appropriate.

“These services have been up and running successfully since December and are staffed by local GPs who have access to patients records.”

The closure is going ahead despite fierce opposition from campaigners, who held a protest against the decision outside the hospital in January.

They said the closure of the facility would have a ‘detrimental effect’ and put more pressure on the A&E department at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital and the Minor Injuries Unit at Accrington Victoria.