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?]

Will there be enough doctors on call?

Salaried doctors have been recruited to provide some of the out of hours service, other sessions will be covered by local doctors who have chosen to be part of the service. Doctors will be based at some of the community hospitals and will visit others at peak times. The PCT has been monitoring attendance and contacts over the past year and is confident there will be adequate doctor cover. The situation will continue to be monitored and the service will develop in the most appropriate way.

What if I am not happy with the service they provide?

You will be able to take up your concerns through the PCT's Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) or through the complaints procedure. PALS can be contacted on 0800 3897671.

When should I contact out of hours? The out of hours service is for urgent and emergency medical problems - it is not for common problems that should be dealt with by your local surgery. The out of hours service is not a walk in service, access is by telephone

What do I do if I have a minor injury?

Patients who have minor injuries should still visit their Minor Injury Unit at the community hospital during normal opening hours.

When should I go to a minor injury unit?

The units are staffed to treat people with minor injuries, such as cuts, bruises, sprains and simple fractures - not those with medical problems or very serious injuries that need the specialist attention provided by the Royal United Hospital in Bath or Salisbury District Hospital or Great Western in Swindon.

Anyone with a medical problem, such as earache or a sore throat, for example, should not normally be attending any minor injuries unit. If they have concerns out of hours they should ring their GP's number where they will be directed to the relevant out-of-hours service.

Help and advice can also be provided by a pharmacist or NHS Direct on 0845 4647 which can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. NHS Direct provides information on health conditions, self help and support organisations as well as local health services such as the out-of-hours pharmacy.

We appreciate not everything always goes to plan. If you are unhappy or dissatisfied with the service, contact the local Patients Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 389 7671 which is a 24 hour freephone number.

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