GOVERNMENT PRESIDING OVER CRISIS IN OUT-OF-HOURS CARE - LAMB

1.10.10pm GMT Tue 30th Oct 2007

Norman Lamb MP has today commented on the investigation into out-of-hours care by Pulse newspaper, which shows that 60% of GPs believe the standard of services has declined since PCTs took over responsibility.

The North Norfolk MP, who is also the Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, said:

"The Government is presiding over a crisis in out-of-hours care. Doctors and patients have clearly lost confidence in the current system.

"It is critical that the public has access to top quality care when they can't see their GP.

"The danger is that people will choose to go to already crowded A&E units, which have seen a dramatic rise in admissions in recent years.

"The problem is that there is no way to hold providers to account for inadequate services. Primary Care Trusts are not answerable to anyone for their actions."