HEALTH bosses have been forced to backtrack on controversial plans to axe the weekday walk-in service at an Edmonton health centre.

Nigel Beverley, Enfield director for North Central London NHS, unveiled in May plans to cutback the service at Evergreen Primary Care Centre, in Edmonton Green.

He argued the change was not a “significant variation” and rejected the idea of a full consultation with residents, but has now been forced into a u-turn following a showdown with councillors.

Councillor Alev Cazimoglu, chairman of the health scrutiny panel, said: “We are going for a full consultation, we got our way and have put a hold on what they were planning for the time being.

“We are still very unhappy with the lack of investment in primary care in the east of the borough, and removing the walk-in service affects the overall strategy for reducing health inequalities.

“Councillors have made our view clear, we know what's happening on the ground and I'm not sure the PCT does.”

The health trust says the walk-in service is largely treating patients who are already registered with GPs, and believes they are duplicating provision of service.

It plans to open up GPs in the area for longer and help surgeries make it easier for patients to get an appointment. But Cllr Cazimoglu accused the trust of “upside down thinking” by proposing to cut the walk-in service first.

She said: “There are very disturbing figures about GP access in the wards surrounding the walk-in centre. I don't think the GPs are being bloody-minded but there is generally a shortage of time slots because there isn't enough provision.

“Until that is addressed, it is nonsense to cut that walk-in centre.”

North Central London NHS Sector confirmed a consultation is being planned, but said it is still working out the details before it can begin.