8 July 2013
During a routine inspection
Whilst we did not speak to any people using the service on the day of the visit. We did obtain consent to speak to four patients and/or their relatives, calling them the day after the inspection.
All the patients or their representatives that we spoke with were complimentary about the out of hours service they had received. Some of the comments noted were, " it's better than the GP service during the day" and "the doctor rang me back in less than 10 minutes".
The provider offered a range of GP led services from telephone consultations and advice through to attendance at the out of hours premises for a face to face appointment with the doctor. The provider also employed a driver so that the GP on duty could make a home visit should that be clinically indicated.
For patients that attended the service there was a range of information about the services provided.
Housed in a modern purpose built health centre, the out of hours service was able to provide care in an environment that was clean and well maintained. The out of hours service was provided from 18.30 until 08.00 Monday through to Friday and also at week-ends and bank holidays.
We found that the OWLS out of hours GP service had appropriate systems in place to safeguard children and adults whilst using the service.