From: "Julian Bradley" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 11:18 PM
> A hospital lab sometimes finds itself (following delays in processing)
with
> INR results requiring action after 6:30pm for patients in the community.
Not only INRs, I dealt with a funny blood test result tonight becasue pts
GP couldn't be got hold of.
> Does an OOH provider have a core responsibility in relation to such
results?
It depends on the contract that the OOH provider holds for opted out docs
and onthe agreement for opted-ins. The OOH regs include essential and
additional services insofar as they are necessary to be provided before the
in-hours period. As "locum" they woudl as a minimum be expected to provide
the advice expected of any ordinary GP even if it's "Gawd strike a light, I
dunno, I'll ring the RMO"
> If no, does it have / should it have an extended role in relation to such
> results?
Extended role woudl be likely to attaract additional cost. PCTs unlikely to
cough up. Poor old RMO (and patient)
>
> If no again does anyone have any specific suggestions as to how these
> patients are most safely managed?
Prior protocol and info so pt knows what to do about results even if OOH
service doesn't. Note - many OOH services doctor-lite so pts quite likely to
be advised to go straight to hospital, do not pass go, do not collect
£200..........
--
Fay
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