After Hours care should be major national priority

Fri, 08 Oct 2004

After Hours care should be major national priority

National inconsistencies in after-hours health care are a major problem for patients and doctors, says the College of GPs.

”The patient perspective will be included in a major submission the College is to present to the Ministry of Health," College deputy president Dr Jonathan Fox said today.

Fully supporting the IPAC position, Dr Fox said any new model must focus on patient service, quality and making sure the workforce was capable and funded to provide the service.

"People have the right to expect a reasonable, appropriate service - anywhere," he said. The College is collating feedback from workshops and meetings on issues such as access to care, keeping up to date patient records, and maintaining the continuity of care so vital to quality general practice.

Dr Fox is the College representative on the Ministry's PHO Taskforce, and he intends asking for the Taskforce to make it a priority issue for all stakeholders at their meeting next week.

ENDS

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