Do we actually want a walk-in centre? Its threatened closure has caused outrage, but what would be best for the NHS and its patients? DAVID HANNANT talks to locals about a hugely controversial - and important - issue.
For some, the walk-in centre is the simplest option to access health care - or a saving grace if they struggle to get into their GP.
Supporters of the Rouen Road site highlight that it provides treatment to around 72,000 people a year - individuals who may otherwise either gone without care or ended up piling additional pressure on emergency departments.
But does it actually patch over deeper issues around the lack of out-of-hours GP services, inability to get appointments, queues at A&Es, and difficulties accessing health care in rural areas?
Health bosses have warned that the centre is not a cost-efficient way of providing care - and at a time when the NHS is facing an unprecedented need for new ways of thinking, every penny counts.
NHS leaders in Norfolk and Waveney have began consulting members of the public over three options for the centre - close it, keep it open, or replace it.
So what do people in Norwich - a big part of the consultation's target audience - think?
Richard Wordingham, 54, and Michael Hendry, 65 both from Norwich
Mr Wordingham, who lives a stone's throw from the centre, admitted he does not tend to use it. However, he is a big advocate for it staying open.
He said: "I live down Rouen Road and whenever I walk past the walk-in centre, nine times out of 10 there is a big queue. That tells me there is a need for it.
"Many people, particularly those who have moved here from Eastern Europe, struggle to register with a GP, so without this type of service, where could they go?
"If it was to close, there needs to be a way for people that are not registered to access care.
"I have been at the same GP - Oak Street - for 20 years and I personally can't fault it."
Mr Hendry, a retired builder, said he too saw a need for a service like the walk-in centre.
He said: "I tend to rely on my GP rather than the walk-in centre, but I do think closing it would be a bad idea. I think people really need it - it never seems to be without a queue.
"The whole health system seems totally overwhelmed.
"Two years ago was the first time I'd ever needed to spend time in hospital with pancreatitis. The nurses were rushing around - they were so kind but so busy.
"Closing the walk-in centre may send more people to A&E and make that problem even worse."
It is clear from speaking to those who use it that it is the service that is relied on, not the bricks and mortar.
Faye Solomon, 33, from Cringleford
Ms Solomon said she only turns to the centre when she can not get in with her GP.
She said: "It might be missed if it closes, but I think I would change it for something different.
"I think that every GP in the county should offer a form of walk-in access.
"I don't know if all GPs do this, but mine keeps some appointments clear each day and ask you to call up at 8am to book them. If they just kept them open for walk-ins it would be so much easier.
"I also think there ought to be separate walk-in centres for people struggling with mental ill health."
While people living in the city appear supportive of the centre though, do people living further afield back it in the same way?
Colin Beaton, 60, from Watton
A retired software developer, Mr Beaton, said: "I think it only really serves a purpose for people who live in Norwich - I have only ever been there once.
"I feel a little limited in the choice that I have of GPs - you have to register with the one closest to you.
"I think it would be a good idea to give you the opportunity to change and register somewhere else if you're not getting good access.
"The walk-in centre is a good option to have if you live nearby or have access to a car- especially at the weekend."
Yvonne Barnes, 75, from Pakefield
Ms Barnes said she saw sense in having walk-in centres.
She said: "Lots of older people have the mindset of never wanting to see a doctor because they just don't want to be a bother - but something like a walk-in centre would be the kind of place I would take my mother.
"Hospitals and GPs can not cope - if you call 111 they always tell you to go the A&E - so where else can people go?
"I have a grandson who lives in East London and if it wasn't for walk-in centres there, he'd never get any help."
To have your say on the future of the walk-in centre, fill in the consultation survey at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/GP_Norwich/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here