Health service contract abandoned amid concerns
BBCA health board has abandoned plans to change the provider of a city walk-in centre after concerns were raised that the quality of care could be affected.
Chilvers and McCrea had been granted the contract to run the facility in Norwich from April but this was challenged by local councillors.
The company is part of Operose Health, the UK's biggest private GP chain, which was the subject of a critical BBC Panorama investigation in 2022 about its practices.
NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB) said the decision no longer aligned with its priorities and the current local provider would remain in charge.
A spokesperson said: "Following the establishment of the new ICB in April, the procurement was reviewed.
"Future commissioning arrangements will be developed through the ICB's strategic commissioning process."
Chilvers and McCrea was due to take control of the walk-in centre and neighbouring GP surgery in Rouen Road in April.
PA MediaThe service sees about 6,000 patients a month and takes pressure off the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital's A&E department and GP surgeries.
But recently, its future has been uncertain after the firm that ran it, One Norwich Practices, collapsed in 2023.
Norfolk Primary Care, a not-for-profit community interest company, saved the site and took over the contract for the walk-in centre and also the Vulnerable Adults Service.
In 2025, the ICB considered closing the walk-in centre to save money but dropped the idea before advertising the contracts for the services, choosing Chilvers and McCrea.
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The decision sparked concerns the firm would put profit over patient care, following the findings of the 2022 Panorama investigation.
It found the firm let less qualified staff, rather than doctors, see patients without adequate supervision.
A spokesperson for Operose Health, the largest provider of primary health care in the UK, said it was "disappointed" but respected the ICB's decision.
It claimed the BBC probe was not a factor in the ICB's decision to review the contract.
"The Panorama programme was not reflective of Operose Health then, nor is it reflective of Operose Health today," the spokesperson added.
Lucy GalvinNorwich City Council's Green Party leader Lucy Galvin was one of several councillors who challenged the contract being awarded to the firm.
Following the U-turn, she said: "It's vital that our residents, including the most vulnerable, can continue to access good quality, local healthcare services which are shaped by the needs of the city's growing and diverse population.
"Patients and professionals highlighted the risks of the previous closure and procurement plans.
"It will be crucial that everyone's voice is heard in the future, and that this saga of uncertainty is never repeated."
A spokesperson for the ICB added that the existing services would continue until at least 30 September 2027.
But no decisions have been made about services beyond that date.
The running of the Vulnerable Adult Service in Norwich will also no longer change provider to One Medicare and will continue to be run by Norfolk Primary Care.
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