The last remaining walk-in services at a medical centre in Harrow have been temporarily suspended in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has announced changes at the Pinn Medical Centre, in Love Lane, to help combat the ongoing pandemic.

It will now operate as a GP Access Centre, following a similar service offered at other practices in the borough.

There will be limited face-to-face contact, with phone and video consultations prioritised to protect patients and staff.

The CCG explained that Pinn-registered patients should continue to phone the practice as they usually do.

Patients not registered at the Pinn should access the service by contacting their own GP or using 111 when the surgery is closed.

In a statement, the CCG said: “Both the Pinn Medical Centre team and the CCG are clear that in these very challenging times it is essential that our health services can be as flexible as possible to provide safe and effective care to patients, whilst protecting vital frontline staff.”

It added that once the virus has been dealt with, there will be measures in place to restore the walk-in services at the site.

Users of the Pinn had campaigned to protect the walk-in services after other practices in Harrow were switched to appointment-only.

In February, the CCG confirmed that walk-in services would be maintained following feedback from patients, medical professionals and politicians.

Joanne Daswani, chairman of Pinn Medical Centre Patients’ Association, welcomed this announcement and said the group would continue to work with the CCG on future arrangements.

She explained that it is important to work together during these unprecedented times and that safety must be considered above all.

She said: “The trustees wish to reassure you that you are not alone. We cannot face this fight against covid-19 as individuals.

“We must strive to support each other as best we can. It is beholden on all of us to look out for each other.