Out of Hours Service Changes A Government initiative which will take pressure off GPs by handing over responsibility for out-of-hours services to primary care trusts will have little effect on the public. The new initiative is now operating. Here is some useful information about what is happening and why. There are also some tips about how to make the best use of the PCTs' minor injuries services. The Out of Hours Service telephone number is 01249 456530 Questions and Answers [Why has the service changed?][Exactly when is 'out of hours'?][What will it mean for patients?][How will it work?][Where are the treatment centres?][Will there be enough doctors on call?][What if I am not happy with the service they provide?][What do I do if I have a minor injury?][When should I go to a minor injury unit?]

Why has the service changed?

As part of the Government's vision for primary care, the NHS has reshaped it's out of hours services, so patients will have a more modern, high quality and consistent local service. Only those services meeting new national quality standards will be allowed to provide out of hours care to patients.

GPs had traditionally been responsible for 24-hour care of their patients. Throughout Wiltshire, over recent years, groups of doctors have formed local co-operatives to provide this service outside normal surgery hours. From the 1st April 2004, new GP contracts means they no longer have to carry the responsibility for out of hours cover.

This primarily allows them to focus on the daytime services to their patients Monday to Friday. All GP Practices in this area have chosen to opt out-of-out of hours, although some individual GPs have chosen to provide some cover through the new service.

Who will run the out of hours service? Kennet and North Wiltshire PCT has awarded the out of hours contract to Wiltshire Medical Services Ltd - a commercial company set up by three local GPs (from Calne, Chippenham and Corsham) who have had several years experience in running the North Wiltshire Doctor's Cooperative.

They will cover all of the Kennet and North Wiltshire PCT area, apart from a few areas on the borders, which will be covered by neighbouring PCTs for expedience.

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