> As I understand it the previous arrangement was that if the GP Co-op couldn't
> cover the night the GPs would have to step in.
>
> I do have some concern that there won't be enough medics interested in
> providing the anti-social hours cover ....... which means A&E is the back up.
You are quite right, Ray.
The Primary Care Trusts (PCTs or PCOs or whatever) will take over
responsibility. It will initially be an opt out situation but will evolve
to become 'opt in to OOH'.
This is an un-costed and largely unpopular new contract (if the comics and
email lists are to be believed).
I think the idea of GPs specialising in just OOH is a good one - but the
funding required would be far more than currently put into OOH.
GPs in Highland see 3.5 patients/1000 per week OOH. This is almost
certainly below the national average. I estimate that 7 full time OOH GPs
would be needed to run a rota per 50,000-100,000 patients coverd. To
attract staff would require >£60k annual for doing 10 night or weekend
shifts per month.
Other options are nurse practitioners or increased deputising services.
I suspect, like you, that if the money is not there then A+E may end up
seeing the patients.
Robbie Coull
email: [log in to unmask] website: http://www.coull.net
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