Lack of GPs straining Powys out-of-hours services
Out-of-hours GP services in Powys and across Wales are under strain with not enough GPs available to deliver the service, according to a new report.
The information published by the Board of Community Health Councils has recommended new ways need to be found to deliver out-of-hours medical care in all seven community health council areas in Wales.
Research shows that the service is fragile and under strain across the county, due to a number of reasons including a lack of GPs and an increase in demand for out-of-hours service.
The problems have also occurred in Powys, and with the future of Shropdoc also uncertain, county councillor Joy Jones is calling for more to be done to improve the out-of-hours provision.
She said: “Because of where we are and the access we have to hospitals, people are having to travel a long way out of hours to get treatment.
“Out-of-hours services are vitally important in Powys.
“I believe the Welsh Government should be doing more to recruit GPs not just for the out-of-hours service, but also in general.
“There needs to be incentives to bring them here and help the problem.”
The report states that community health councils want the government and the NHS to work together to come up with a solution for the problem.
Part of this will include engaging with people about the future of GP out-of-hours services to find out what is important to them.
Mutale Merrill, chair of the board of Community Health Councils (CHCs), added: “Health boards have specifically informed CHCs about their need to take urgent action when they are unable to provide a normal service.
“CHCs are concerned that sometimes the actions taken to address one problem can have a negative impact on other services and other geographical areas.
“We believe the solution lies in the NHS in Wales working together to deliver GP out-of-hours services in a way that responds to what’s important to people.”
Councillor Jones is also eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Shropdoc out-of-hours service situation, with a decision set to be made in June about who will run the service.
A further service is also set to be provided in Powys through a 111 number, which people can call for information and be put either through to out-of-hours services or NHS direct.
Councillor Jones added: “Out-of-hours service is so important here in Powys, and keeping Shropdoc and that level of service is vital.”
