GP service in six-month reprieve

Urgent Care 24 will now run the service until April 2008

The controversial company which runs GP out-of-hours services in Merseyside has had its contract extended.

Urgent Care 24 (UC24) will now provide cover across Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley for another six months.

Health bosses last month ordered the company to improve standards after an investigation prompted by complaints.

Despite the extension, the primary care trusts said there would be changes to the service from 2008 and will be inviting proposals from other parties.

An investigation into UC24's running of the service was launched after a former employee raised concerns about the prioritisation of some patients.

Last month, the PCTs made a series of recommendations to UC24 including looking at staffing levels, ensuring that its staff correctly recorded information and ensuring that its consultation details were passed on to GPs.

New strategy

General Medical Council (GMC) investigations are already under way into two cases involving doctors working for UC24.

The PCTs said a new specification was being developed for the out-of-hours service.

Leonie Beavers, Director of Strategy for Liverpool PCT, said: "Since PCTs became responsible for out of hours care two-and-a-half years ago we have learnt a lot about the needs of the service.

"Over the coming months we will be engaging with patients, GPs and our partners in secondary care to develop a service specification that will ensure the highest clinical standards and optimal access to out of hours care."

UC24 has been informed of the decision and will have the opportunity to compete for the new contract, which will start in April 2008.