Each centre was visited to assess location and facilities offered. Assessments included distance from the train station, the flow of commuter traffic to and from the train station, and visibility of signage, tested by walking around the outside of the train station and walking between the train station and the centre during the evening rush hour. Pedestrian traffic was assessed by standing outside each centre for three 15-minute time periods and counting the numbers of pedestrians walking past. The location of areas of high density of workers was assessed by discussions with centre staff, observation of the area, and use of local maps. The researchers met with the centre manager or other staff members to discuss the service aims, facilities, staffing, triage and patient management, information management, and activity. A structured proforma was completed for each centre.
How this fits in
Walk-in centres have been provided in England for the general population since 2000. This study evaluated a pilot scheme to offer walk-in centre care to a subgroup of the population — people commuting to work by train. It was found that these centres operated more as ‘worker walk-in centres’ than ‘commuter walk-in centres’. The location of centres was key to the numbers and types of users, which provides an important message for those commissioning new primary care services such as GP-led centres.