The House of Commons Health Select Committee Report “GP Out-of Hours Services” was published on 6.8.04.

Doug Naysmith, MP for Bristol North West and a member of the Health Select Committee, said, “We don’t always get ill when it’s convenient.  Up to now it has been the responsibility of GPs to make sure we get treated in the middle of the night – even if they haven’t always come out to see us themselves.  This is due to change soon and our report on “GP Out-of-hours services” should help to make sure the changes go through smoothly.

“After December 31st, GPs will be able to opt out of providing out-of–hours care for their patients and the local Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) will make sure that we still get the care we need.   Everyone who spoke to us thought this could mean better services and offers the opportunity of the improved care for patients.  But there are some risks and we highlight these so that problems can be anticipated and avoided.

“Our report points out that some PCTs are less prepared than others for the change over and need to do some work getting ready.  Also, despite extra money from the Government, many PCTs have not identified the funds they will need to pay for the out-of-hours cover.  GPs will still probably provide much of the out-of-hours care but they will be paid a proper rate for the job and it is not certain yet how many of them will choose to do this extra work.  We support the idea of involving the NHS Direct, paramedics, mental health professionals and social workers and other health professionals.  However we point out that training people for such a new role will take time and money.

“One of our most important conclusions is that people should know where they can get help.  Currently there is some confusion.  We stress that there must be clearer information setting out what local NHS services are available, how we can access them so that we can get the care we need.”