To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much has been paid to Care UK for the NHS walk-in centre at Jury’s Inn, Newcastle; what the reasons were for the delay in opening the centre; what costs were incurred during the delay; when the days of opening were extended to include Sundays; and what consideration is being given to an extension of opening hours after 7 p.m; (146223)

The Newcastle Central NHS walk-in centre at Jury’s Inn is one of seven centres commissioned by the Department to provide health services which address the needs of the working population. Care UK is the provider under a contract that runs until 30 April 2011. The amount payable under this contract is commercially confidential. The centre opened on 17 May 2006, two weeks later than scheduled due to an issue with the electrical power source. No costs were incurred during this period. The centre is open 7 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday and although the Department, the provider and the primary care trust are discussing options for extending opening hours, no decision has been taken.