A GPs' group has responded to concerns about the out-of-hours service in Appleby.

As previously reported, 50 people attended a public meeting in the town last month to discuss access to the Cuedoc GP co-operative.

There were concerns that changes to the service to move a doctor's vehicle away from the town had caused delays in accessing a GP. Residents were also worried that calls were now being filtered by the NHS Direct helpline service. Some patients had complained that they had to give their details and symptoms more than once, which could also slow up the service.

Cuedoc (Cumbria Emerg-ency Doctors on Call) chief executive Ron Fearon said they had no plans to change their systems at present.

A doctor's vehicle had been based in the town out-of-hours but had often not been called out. It was now based in Penrith, along with a second vehicle, but could still respond promptly to home visits in Appleby, Mr Fearon said.

Calls to Cuedoc were now taken by NHS Direct, and a nurse would triage each patient. This was a change that had been instigated nationally by the Government.

A caller might have to give their symptoms to the nurse, and then, if they were put through to a doctor, supply further information.

Cuedoc did not have any problems with the service, but if patients were unhappy they should contact NHS Direct, said Mr Fearon.

February 6, 2003 11:30