A NEW NHS walk-in centre in Prestwich opened for business on Monday (Oct 11) to offer treatment to the unwell and walking wounded.

The centre is next to Prestwich Health Centre in Fairfax Road, and while it is the second walk-in centre in the borough, it is the first purpose-built branch.

Bury Walk-In Centre, in Parsons Lane, opened in 2000 and has enjoyed phenomenal success.

The Prestwich centre is also the first new-build project undertaken by Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT) since its inception two years ago.

The Mayor of Bury, Coun Barry Briggs, attended the opening and was given a guided tour of the facilities along with Evan Boucher, chief executive of the PCT, chairman Hilda Harvey, and Coun Steve Treadgold, who works for the PCT and represents St Mary's ward.

Mrs Harvey told guests at the launch: "When the Bury walk-in centre opened it had a very tentative start as people did not know what to expect, but it has grown and extended and has been a great success. Now we have got one in the south of the borough and I hope it will be just as successful."

The centre offers a wide range of services to patients who can simply walk in off the street and ask for advice, without making an appointment.

Patients can be treated for a variety of minor illnesses, including sore throats, coughs, colds, ear infections, diarrhoea and vomiting. Also minor injuries such as sprains, strains, cuts, bruises and non-serious head injuries can be dealt with.

Anyone working or living in the Prestwich area can pop in at any time during opening hours.

The centre also provides information on smoking cessation, healthy living and travel advice and help in managing chronic diseases.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 9pm, and Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays from 9am to 5pm.