Doctors at Ulverston's heath centre are stopping the minor injuries service in the town from April.

They say it is an under-used facility and cannot be maintained under new GPs contracts.

But they say by opting out of the service, they hope to spend more time with patients and concentrate on people with chronic illnesses.

'Better service'

The Morecambe Bay Primary Care Trust says patients will not lose out.

Mary Choiseul, the director of the South Lakes Local Health Group, said the minor injuries facility provided a walk-in service.

The service was reviewed twice over 18 months and was found to be used by only 5% of people as a walk in.

She said: "Very few patients will be affected and at the end of the day they will get a better service.

"The idea behind the contract is that GPs will have more time for their patients, they will be able to give much more systematic care and patients will be channelled into the right place for their particular problem or condition."

People with minor injuries can contact the helpline NHS Direct, go to the Accident and Emergency department in Barrow or make an appointment with their doctor.