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Out-of-hours medical cover in community hospitals: implications for palliative care
Chris Kerr1, Sheila Hawker, Sheila Payne
1Wessex Institute of Health Research and Development, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton, UK. clk@soton.ac.uk
Background:
The new General Medical Services contract in England means many GPs have transferred out-of hours work to their primary care organization, with implications for continuity of palliative care in community hospitals.
Aim:
To examine existing arrangements for out-of-hours medical cover in community hospitals, focusing on palliative care.
Methods:
Telephone survey of community hospital managers/senior nurses across England and Wales.
Results:
Interviews (n = 62) revealed nursing staff were satisfied with existing out-of-hours care. Concern was expressed about the future of out-of-hours medical care from GPs as new services will cover larger areas, meaning unknown doctors may attend, taking longer to arrive.
Conclusion:
Arrangements for out-of-hours medical cover in community hospitals are in transition, threatening the continuity of care for dying patients.
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