Inconsistent out-of-hours care

Research by Which? has shown that out-of-hours medical care services in England are inconsistent, hard to access and failing to meet the needs of those who are using them.

The study- 'Which way?-Negotiating the out-of-hours maze' - examined the out-of-hours provisions in six Primary Care Trusts

Around 14.5million (36 per cent) adults in England - had used out-of-hours care in the past year, with over one in four (29 per cent) using services on three or more occasions.

Of those questioned, almost three in ten (30 per cent) would not know how to contact their GP's out-of-hours service straight away.

Frances Blunden, principal policy adviser Which?, said: 'People seeking out-of-hours care are often distressed and concerned, and may also be unwell or in pain. They need to know where and when services are available, what type of situations they are suitable for and how to access them. At present this is extremely difficult and creates even more stress in an urgent situation.'