Neighbourhood Health: Winter Illness Centre - Supporting Patients Through the Busiest Months
The second story in our Neighbourhood Health series shines a light on Shrewsbury Primary Care Network’s Winter Illness Centre – a service that has quickly become an important part of how local practices support patients during the colder months.
First set up in 2023 following a particularly difficult winter for general practice, the centre was created in response to rising cases of respiratory illness and growing pressure on appointments. What began as a rapid solution to support patients during the surge in strep A cases has evolved into a well-established seasonal service, now open for its third winter.
Located at Severn Fields Health Village, the centre offers fast, face-to-face appointments for people with symptoms such as coughs, sore throats, fevers and earaches. Patients simply contact their usual GP practice as normal, and if their symptoms are suitable, they may be booked into the centre for same-day care. Most people are seen within just a few hours of calling for help, with more than 95% rating their experience as good or very good.
The model has also brought benefits across the whole healthcare system. By dedicating additional clinical capacity to winter respiratory illnesses, GP practices have been able to focus on patients with long-term or complex needs, while local A&E departments have seen fewer attendances for minor conditions that can safely be managed in primary care. Senior clinicians from the PCN provide leadership on site, supported by a team of advanced nurse practitioners, paramedics and physician associates – all of whom bring specialist skills to deliver high-quality, timely assessments.
Raising awareness has been central to its success. Each winter, Shrewsbury PCN works with local practices, community partners and communications teams to make sure the public understands why the service exists and how it helps. For patients, the reassurance of being seen quickly, often within minutes of arrival, has led to high levels of trust and willingness to return when needed.
Now in its third winter, the Winter Illness Centre continues to demonstrate what collaborative neighbourhood working can achieve: responsive care, improved access and a smoother winter for patients and practices alike.
The Winter Illness Centre is open to patients registered with Shrewsbury PCN GP practices only and is accessed via your GP surgery.
