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?]

What will it mean for patients?

Patients should notice very little difference in the provision of out of hours service. Now fully developed the new service offers links into other branches of out of hours care.

How will it work?

Patients will phone their GP's surgery as they do now. They will either be given a telephone number to call or, as the service develops, they will be automatically transferred to the out of hours service.

The call will be answered by either call handlers or nurses, who will ask some general questions and may be able to give advice straight away, or they may pass the patient to a triage nurse for full assessment. The nurse may give advice over the telephone, arrange for you to come to a treatment centre or arrange for you to see a doctor. The nurse can also arrange a home visit if necessary.

Where are the treatment centres?

In Kennet and North Wiltshire the centres are the community hospitals in Devizes, Chippenham, Savernake and Malmesbury during their normal opening hours.

Useful Links
	NHS Direct www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Tel 0845 4647 NHS Direct is a new 24 hour nurse led telephone advice and information service and is part of the National Health Service. Your gateway to health advice on the internet