Out-of-hours care criticised
A senior medic has criticised the out-of-hours GP service at Newark Hospital after experiencing it himself this week.
The doctor, who did not want to be named, thought the best out-of-hours service was not being provided.
On Sunday morning, after being unwell for a few days, he rang his GP surgery and was put through to the out-of-hours service based at Newark Hospital.
His initial concern was that the first person he spoke to was a non-medical member of staff, who asked questions about his condition.
About 45 minutes later he was called back by a nurse practitioner, who asked more questions. He mentioned his profession and asked to be treated at Newark. It was agreed he would go to the out-of-hours service there and be treated in a further 45 minutes.
He was met by another nurse practitioner who carried out a detailed examination, but he was concerned she was not a GP, and therefore did not have the same training or skills. The GP was out on a call at the time.
The doctor said it was not very efficient that he had to speak to two people before even being seen.
He was worried that the time delay and travel involved meant people could come to harm.
He said the system reminded him of the process people had to go through to receive medical help during the first world war, nearly 100 years ago.
The doctor wondered why, in light of the development around Newark, the service in the town was not being increased. He felt a casualty department was needed.
“The site at Newark does lend itself to some expansion,” he said.
A spokesman for NHS Nottinghamshire County said out-of-hours care was being looked at as part of the healthcare review.
She said the enhanced out-of-hours service they were proposing would mean there were GP services at Newark Hospital and that an emergency care practitioner would be available to visit people in their homes.
She said: “We can’t comment on individual cases in light of not having all the facts and information, but we are happy to discuss this with the individual concerned.
“The usual protocol currently involves assessment of patients and they will be treated according to need and best clinical practice.”
The trust has given assurances that sufficient medical cover would always be provided at Newark Hospital, including overnight, even if the emergency unit closes between midnight and 7am.
“There will be doctors and clinicians available to deal with patients, in line with national standards and Newark’s needs,” said the spokesman.
