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Still time to have a say on GP out-of-hours services
• I AM writing to alert your readers to an important consultation being run by the NHS locally.
Here in north London the primary care trusts for Camden, City and Hackney, Haringey and Islington work together to commission out-of-hours GP services and are now going through a process to recommission this service.
Camidoc have provided the out-of-hours care for these boroughs for 12 years.
In that time we have successfully managed more than 750,000 calls from patients and have developed strong links within the local health and social care communities. As a professional, not-for-profit organisation (we are a GPs’ co-operative) we have consistently put the needs of patients before profit.
The current contract for providing out-of-hours care expires later this year and we will, of course, be submitting a tender.
Camden PCT, the lead commissioner for the service, is currently consulting on the selection criteria for out-of-hours care.
I am sure many readers will share our concern that this vital service should continue to be delivered by local doctors and nurses with patients’ needs being put before profit.
We are also concerned that there is a level playing field so that this contract is not automatically given to one of the large private healthcare companies who are already making significant inroads into the NHS.
We would urge readers of the New Journal to make sure you get your response in too and we can all help ensure we get the quality of services we deserve. Responses should be sent by email to: PALS@ camdenpct.nhs.uk and by post to PALS, Camden PCT, FREEPOST RRCA-BHXE-HUSR, London NW1 0PE.
The consultation ends Friday March 22 and further information is on the Camden PCT website www.camdenpct. nhs.uk.
MicHAEL GOLDIN , Camidoc
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