Change planned for out-of-hours GP service

Date: 12/12/2011

Individuals using 0300 numbers to contact GP out-of-hours services in Worcestershire could soon find their calls handled by people outside of the county.

This is according to a report in the Worcester News, which explained how talks are underway between private company Harmoni and the local NHS trust.

It could lead to calls being answered by handlers in North Somerset, Buckinghamshire and Warwickshire when lines are busy at the current call centre.

Dr Russell Kelsey, clinical lead for Worcestershire out-of-hours service, explained how the move would help bring in benefits such as "improved responsiveness", which out weigh the negatives.

"Our key priority is to ensure that patients receive a safe clinical assessment within the shortest timeframe possible," he stated.

However, some local residents have raised concerns about advice or home visits being delayed as a result of a lack of knowledge about the area.

Elsewhere, 0300 numbers may be required in Longton as there are plans to build a new doctor's surgery, the local Sentinel recently reported.