Home / Health / Confusion Reigns as Out-of-Hours GP Service Moves
Confusion Reigns as Out-of-Hours GP Service Moves
16 Oct
Summary
- A councillor expressed confusion over the chaotic relocation of a GP service.
- The out-of-hours GP service moved from a Kent hospital on September 28.
- A review is underway to potentially reinstate a 24-hour service at the hospital.
A local councillor has expressed significant confusion over the "chaos" surrounding the recent relocation of an out-of-hours GP service. The Medway On Call Care (MedOCC) service was moved from Medway Maritime Hospital on September 28, with authorities only being notified three days prior.
James MacDonald, deputy chief medical officer for the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB), stated the move was intended as a temporary measure. The long-term plan involves splitting the out-of-hours service into two separate entities. MedOCC is now operating from MCH House in Gillingham Business Park, managed by Kent Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT).
Clare Thomas, deputy chief operating officer at KCHFT, indicated that the duration of any remaining out-of-hours services at the hospital is under review. She suggested that the "likely outcome" is a return to a 24-hour service at the hospital, a prospect that has led Councillor McDonald to question the disruption caused by the relocation.
