It's been revealed that the Rivergate Walk-In Centre could shut its doors with facilities moving to the new City Care Centre being built near Peterborough District Hospital (PDH).

At the moment, the walk-in centre, close to the Asda supermarket, is the first port of call for out-of-hours service and treatment of minor injuries and illnesses when surgeries are closed.

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But with Peterborough's new health facilities and buildings beginning to take shape, it seems patients will have to get used to a new set-up.

Peterborough Primary Care Trust (PCT) confirmed the new City Care Centre will house X-ray machines and other diagnostic equipment which the current walk-in centre doesn't have.

The accident and emergency department, which is currently at PDH, will move in 2010 to the new hospital being built on the site of Bretton's Edith Cavell Hospital.

Chief executive of the PCT Angela Bailey said: "At the moment, if you visit the walk-in centre for treatment, we may have to transfer you to A&E if you require X-rays, ultrasound or other diagnostics.

"This proposed relocation would allow us to improve and extend current services and allow accident and emergency to deal with major traumas and life-threatening emergencies.

"Having two locations providing the same services at Rivergate and at the new City Care Centre would be unnecessary and not a good use of NHS money.

"The City Care Centre will mean patients with an illness or injury, which isn't life-threatening, get speedy and appropriate care."

The potential relocation of the walk-in centre has been welcomed by councillors Brian Rush and Keith Sharp, who sit on the health and scrutiny panel.

Cllr Sharp said: "Although the Rivergate Walk-In Centre at the moment is special in that it provides out-of-hours care, the new centre would be an improvement.

"It would have better accessibility and improved safety. It will also have X-ray units and other diagnostics.

"There is also talk that it could be open for 24 hours a day in the future."

And the panel's chairman, Cllr Rush, said improved parking would be welcomed by patients.

He said: "At the moment you have to pay to park at Asda or on nearby streets. The new centre will have special parking bays for patients who need treatment."

It is believed there will be a transition period with both the new centre and the current walk-in being open at the same time next year, to allow patients to get used to the new system

Residents are urged to attend a public meeting to look at the PCT plans, which will be held in the reception room at the town hall, tomorrow, from 10am to noon.

The consultation is running until July 21, and the full document can be found at www.peterborough.nhs.uk.