Patients deserve better out-of-hours care

Patients deserve better out-of-hours care


This undervalued service needs improvement if the NHS is to deliver 24-hour healthcare in the community
Community services are the future of the NHS

The annual headlines on A&E pressures are becoming almost a winter tradition. Solving this deep-rooted problem extends far beyond the front door of local emergency departments.

A&E and ambulance services are the 24-hour frontline part of this system – and get this scrutiny as the most recognisable “brand”, but we ignore at our peril the role that community nurses, pharmacists, walk-in centres and GPs can play in delivering a sustainable and consistent urgent care service. Guardian

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