The overnight walk-in service at Penrith Urgent Treatment Centre is set to cease from November 1, with staff shortages a factor in the move.
Bosses at the health trust which runs the centre say planned changes include additional services being offered at the unit during the day.
An engagement process was carried out by North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust during the summer and more than 600 people gave their views on the proposals for the unit.
The business plan which has now been approved reflects the findings of the survey, says the health trust.
Dr Craig Melrose, clinical director, said: “We were extremely pleased with the response to the survey with 618 people providing feedback either online or in writing.
“From the survey we saw some clear themes emerge. These were discussed and agreed with partners from the Penrith Hospital League of Friends and Trust governors. We have ensured that each has been addressed and where possible reflected in the business case.
“Specifically we have listened to what people said about the opening hours. Initially we suggested 8am to 8pm for the walk in service and the public said they felt a 10pm closure would be better. Therefore the walk-in service will remain available from 8am to 10pm every day.
“We will be increasing the range of service being delivered in Penrith straight away.
“The staff at Penrith minor injuries unit will now be able to support patients who need transfusions, infusions and catheter care. We are working with staff to provide more training so they can increase their skills and deliver even more services in the future.”
The new system will mean there is a senior clinical decision maker on site for the whole time the walk-in facility at the UTC is open, where previously there was none after 8pm, said the trust.
In a statement setting out the background and future plans, the trust added: “Staff shortages have led to Penrith UTC sometimes having to close overnight at short notice. The trust has explored options to increase staffing levels — but this has not proved possible.
“The staff themselves explained that because there are very few patients during the overnight walk-in service they can’t keep up their clinical practices and their skills are being diminished.”
Barbara Fleary, service manager for emergency care, said: “The changes mean that after 10pm people should check 111 online to see which service is best for them, they can even get an appointment at the unit if that is best.
“We had some concerns raised about using 111 and these were discussed with the North West Ambulance Service who run the service. As a result we are working together to make sure that the information they have about our range of services is as clear and robust as possible.
“We are also keen to help the public understand the 111 process and will be sharing more information about how it works.”
Dr Melrose added: “Overall, the trust hopes that the UTC will become a hub of activity through the day offering services that we were not able to before.
“We hope that this will help deliver more patient services closer to home and reduce the need for the local people to travel to the main acute sites of Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, or West Cumberland Hospital for some treatments.”
Kathryn Orme, team lead at the urgent care centre said: “We are looking forward to the changes which will allow us the opportunity to improve the services available to the local community.
“We plan for the new scheduled care to allow appointments for services like PICC line care to be booked so local people can receive their care here in Penrith, rather than having to travel.”
