Local GPs Say Out-Of-Hours Care Service is Worse

1.16.51pm GMT Thu 22nd Feb 2007

Results of a survey co-ordinated by Julia Goldsworthy MP show that 90% of Cornwall's GPs believe that the quality of the out-of-hours doctors service has got worse since SERCO took over in April.

Following disturbing reports in the media regarding the quality of service provided by the out-of-hours doctors service, Ms Goldsworthy wrote to all GPs in her constituency, asking for their views of the Kernow Urgent Care Service. Other Liberal Democrat MPs in the county have done the same and Ms Goldsworthy has collated the results.

The results also show that nearly 80% of GPs say that they have received more complaints about the Kernow Urgent Care Service since SERCO took over the contract last year.

Ms Goldsworthy will take the opportunity to raise the results of the survey with health ministers in a Parliamentary debate, secured by her colleague, Matthew Taylor MP, on the provision of out-of-hours healthcare services in Cornwall by SERCO.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Ms Goldsworthy MP said:

"These results are extremely concerning. An overwhelming number of local GPs clearly have little faith in the Out-Of-Hours Service and it is time for the Primary Care Trust to urgently look at how the necessary improvements can be made.

"Over recent months I have been contacted by many constituents and GPs who have made some very disturbing complaints about the service they received. I have serious doubts about whether SERCO's management of this vital service is fit for purpose.

"Such an unacceptable service has been allowed to continue for far too long and I will be raising my concerns with the health minister today."