GP reduction is put on hold to provide triage training

A PLANNED reduction in the number of doctors serving 293,000 people in the Western area during out-of-hours has been put back until the end of this month to allow adequate time for nurse advisors carry out the appropriate training needed to carry out triage.

Paul Cavanagh, Commissioning Lead of the Health and Social Care Board, informed Derry City Council by letter of the delay in implementing the planned reduction of staffing.

Under the changes three mobile doctors and a triage nurse will operate the Western Urgent Care GP out-of-hours service across Londonderry, Limavady, Strabane, Omagh and Enniskillen during the Red-Eye Shift - between midnight and 8.30am.

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Now it emerges the implementation of the reduction in the number of doctors from three to five has been delayed due to the necessity of training nurse advisors to carry out triage and assess patient needs.

In a letter to Derry City Council Mr Cavanagh wrote: "The Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) wishes to inform you that the changes to the staffing arrangements of the GP out-of-hours service (referred to in my letter February 23, 2010) in the Western area have been deferred.

"The reason for this deferment is to allow adequate time for nurse advisors to complete the appropriate training required to carry out triage.

"The new implementation date for the changes is September 30, 2010. If the Council requires any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me."

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