Out of hours GP cuts DENIED

Published on 7th December 2006 in News

Major changes for Goole Hospital have been revealed this week as health chiefs announce plans to cut on-call GPs - but also to invest £8 million in community health services and reduce hospital admissions.

The area stands to lose one of its out-of-hours night doctors, who work between 11pm and 8am, but could benefit from a better Minor Injuries Unit at Goole Hospital and more specialist services.

From January 8, the number of out-of-hours GPs will be cut from three to two. Two specially trained nurse practitioners, known as First Care Practitioners, will also be brought in.

Andrew Percy, Goole's Conservative parliamentary spokesman, has said the changes are unacceptable.

"What we're seeing is a reduction by a third," he said.

"It's not acceptable considering the huge geographical area they cover.

"We're having one less GP when people are paying more for a service.

"First care practitioners certainly have their place in the health service and are of great value but they should not be used to replace GP cover."

However, Kate Ireland, director of quality and professional services (executive nurse) at the East Riding of Yorkshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) said there will be no change to the way patients access out-of-hours service.

"The PCT can reassure patients that they will be assessed and, if necessary, be seen by an extended mix of clinical practitioners, with the right skills, at the right time.

"Patients will continue to have access to a GP, should this be required."

Better facilities

a 'possibility'

Meanwhile, local residents are being asked for their views on the PCT's plans to invest £8 million in intermediate care in a scheme which they hope will prevent one in 12 hospital admissions and could mean better facilities at Goole Hospital.

The plans considers 'intermediate care', which means treatment not usually available through a GP but which does not require admission to a large hospital, and divides it into two levels.

Level one care, such as 24 hour minor injury care by appointment, routine tests for things such as glucose tolerance, removal of lumps and bumps, and general rehabilitation facilities, would be provided from fixed sites, on a mobile basis and within people's homes.

More specialist, level two services, such as walk-in minor injuries, more specialist tests and day surgery will be provided from fixed sites.

The options offered in the proposals are: to have one level two site at either Bridlington or Goole, with a 'full' range of level one services provided at a local level.

The second is to have level two services at both Goole and Bridlington with an 'extensive' range of level one services at local level and the third, to have level two sites at Goole, Bridlington and a third central location.

The last option would mean only limited level one services would be provided.

A spokesperson for the East Yorkshire of Riding Primary Care Trust (PCT) said that if Goole were to become a level two site, the PCT would be looking to "enhance and integrate the Minor Injuries Unit service with the rest of our urgent care service, carry out more complex diagnostics, deliver more specialist therapy services and establish a community ward."

There are no plans to create an Accident and Emergency department, and mental health services will not be affected.

Claire Wood, PCT Interim Chief Executive, said: "Our vision is to be able to treat a greater number of patients closer to home, giving them greater independence and better health. To do this we are committed to increasing our investment in community services."

Members of the public can comment on the options until 5pm on March 8 2007. The consultation document is available at www.erypct.nhs.uk or by calling 01377 208826.