The walk-in service located at the North Chelmsford Healthcare Centre near Sainsbury's in Springfield will close on Tuesday.

The GP surgery will remain open at the site, opening for registered patients between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday and for a few hours on a Saturday and Sunday.

The decision to close the walk-in service was made by Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (MECCG) at its Governing Body meeting in November 2014.

The walk-in service was originally hoped to reduce the number of A&E attendances but in fact, the number of attendances at A&E has increased in the past three years.

The walk-in service was also designed to widen access to GP services, especially for people who are not registered with their local GP but when activity there was reviewed, most people visiting the walk-in service were already registered with a GP responsible for their care.

The majority of visits were for minor problems that could be managed with the advice of their own GP or a local pharmacist.

MECCG is encouraging patients who previously used the walk-in service to think about accessing alternative NHS services rather than just heading to A&E at Broomfield Hospital.

Medical Director of MECCG, Dr Donald McGeachy, said: “With the walk-in service closing, it is important that patients think carefully about what NHS service they should access.

“Although the CCG is piloting schemes to help our colleagues at Broomfield Hospital in the event that more people go there after March 31st, patients can also help ease the pressure by using alternative NHS services.

“If you are feeling unwell, or if you are unsure where to go for medical help and advice, call NHS 111 who will direct you to the best health care option.

"This includes the out of hours GP service that is available throughout evenings during the week, Bank Holidays and all weekend.

“If it isn’t an emergency, you can make an appointment with your GP or you can visit your local pharmacist who can help you with a range of common complaints such as colds and stomach upsets.”