A report from our first comprehensive inspections of NHS out-of-hours GP services has highlighted examples of excellent care but also variation in the quality and safety of care.
The report, by Professor Steve Field, our Chief Inspector of General Practice, looked at inspections of 30 out-of-hours services from the first three months of this year and also reviewed progress against recommendations made by the Health Minister in 2010.
Professor Field said: "Out-of-hours services are often considered to be higher risk than those provided during the day by GP surgeries and we know that some have seriously failed people in the past.
"At the start of our inspections, I did not have high hopes about the quality of out-of-hours care. However, I am delighted that these inspections have shown that in most cases the care people receive out of hours is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led."
Out-of-hours services are for people with urgent needs who cannot wait for their GP practice to open again. They provide care in the evenings, at weekends and on public holidays.
Download the full report...
You can read the full report by downloading it here.