NHS Trusts Cutting Spending On Out-Of-Hours Care

16 Feb 2010

A survey by Pulse magazine has found that a number of Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) are seeking to cut costs on out-of-hours care contracts, despite recent criticisms of the out-of-hours system.

The survey found that 11 PCTs have re-tendered the contracts at a lower price, or are planning to do so.

The revelations on cost-cutting come just days after out of hours services were criticised by the coroner in the case of David Gray, who died after being given an overdose of painkillers by an out of hours doctor.

The government has committed to a number of changes to the out of hours care system, including a national database and closer observation of PCTs.

Lindsay Gibb, a specialist clinical negligence solicitor from Irwin Mitchell, said: “A person cannot choose when he or she falls ill and we should all be entitled to the same level of care whether we require assistance at the weekend, at the evening or during normal working hours. Whilst out-of-hours care is of a high standard in some areas, there is currently a lack of consistency which needs to be redressed as we are all entitled to the same standard of care no matter where we live.

“Sadly, Irwin Mitchell has acted for a number of families whose loved ones have died due to a poor standard of out-of-hours GP care and therefore we are pleased to see that this issue is finally being given priority.”

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