A HEALTH centre is being closed because of the swine flu outbreak.

NHS bosses insist the Shirley Walk-In Centre will only be shut temporarily so staff can be used to maintain essential services, but admit they have no idea when it could re-open.

It comes just four months after opening hours were slashed, but NHS Southampton City says the closure is not part of the ongoing review of services.

The Howard’s Grove complex – one of three walk-in centres in Southampton – will close its doors at 7.30pm on Friday.

Health chiefs say the move is part of existing plans which will see the expertise of walk-in centre staff used to train other health workers in Southampton to ensure the city is fully prepared now the swine flu virus is spreading rapidly.

They will also be deployed to help other services stay open.

Spokesman Dr David Paynton said: “It is important for NHS Southampton City to be able to ensure patients have appropriate access to essential services, which includes out-of-hours services.

“Closing Shirley NHS Walk-in Centre at this stage is necessary to ensure patients are able to receive the right treatment if they have symptoms of [swine flu] and help to reduce pressures on the services which have seen increased activity during the current pandemic.

“The temporary closure of Shirley NHS Walk-in Centre is not related to NHS Southampton City’s review of unscheduled care services, which has seen the centre recently reduce its opening hours.

“This decision has been made entirely to ensure patients are receiving appropriate advice, care and treatment for [swine flu] and we will continue to monitor the situation over the coming weeks and months as the pandemic develops.”

The two other walk-in centres, in Bitterne and at the Royal South Hants Hospital, will continue to operate from 8am to 9.30pm every day as usual.

Anyone with flu-like symptoms is being advised to stay at home and call NHS Direct on 0845 4647, the national swine flu hotline on 0800 1 513 513, or their GP.