Walsall care centre is flooded after heavy rain - just months after opening

Walsall's Clinical Commissioning Group confirmed heavy rain on the car park above the Saddlers Centre, where the health centre is based, had led to 'some flooding'.

One patient, who asked not to be named, said there were fears flooding was 'a danger to patients' as it could include sewage, adding: "The building has a structural problem with drainage and sewage."

But Paul Maubach, the accountable officer for NHS Walsall CCG, said there had been no risk to patient safety at the centre, which opened in Walsall Town Centre in January.

Mr Maubach, in a statement, said: "Since the opening of the urgent care centre in the Saddlers Centre there have been some occasions when heavy rain on to the car park above has led to some flooding in the centre.

"Structural investigations in to the drainage and sewage at the site have been conducted.

"The resulting actions have been designed to prevent a repeat of the flooding, and these remain in place.

"Clinical standards in terms of cleanliness have been maintained at all times.

"That means there has been no risk to patient safety.

"The NHS continues to work closely with Primecare. As the provider of the service. Primecare continues to monitor the situation."

The urgent care centre in the town centre is one of two in the borough.

The second is based at the Manor hospital.

The CCG say the centres are there to provide 'fast, expert care for injuries and illnesses that are urgent but not life-threatening'.

The care includes treating injuries such as cuts, fractures, infections and burns.

The £1 million centre, which was officially unveiled on January 20, is open 8am to 8pm.

Speaking back in January, Dr Amrik Gill, chair of the CCG, said: "I'm delighted to officially open this new centre, which offers much-improved facilities for local people.

"Patients can now access a walk-in service for injuries and other ailments, which don't need a visit to A&E but do need urgent medical attention.

"The views of the public, local GPs and partners have no doubt contributed to the success of the new building. The focus is now on making sure that the centre is used appropriately by patients and we are continuing with our work to raise awareness on all local NHS services."

The centre is walk-in with residents able to see GPs and specialist nurses without appointment.