HEALTH bosses admit the new out-of-hours doctor service is not up to scratch. Swindon Primary Care Trust figures show only 60 per cent of calls are handled within the national target time of 60 minutes.

This means people are having to wait too long to be seen by a doctor.

Now bosses are expected to bolster their 30-strong team of highly trained doctors and nurses and appoint a new team leader to monitor the situation.

Heather Mitchell, director of corporate performance, said things have to change but added that only 82 of the total 3,757 calls received between February and May were classed as emergencies.

"We now have three months' data and are regularly monitoring the information provided," she said. "Overall performance figures are improving although there are still areas where we recognise the need for further improvement.

"The completion of emergency calls within one hour now averages 60 per cent and this is an area that we are working to improve."

The area that needs special attention is the initial assessment of calls, said Mrs Mitchell.

"We recognise the need to concentrate on the first assessment of all calls so that their clinical urgency is understood," she said.

"We are introducing a new role for a clinical practitioner who will watch the progress of each call through to completion, and ensure no delays occur." Last October, the trust became one of the first in the country to take on the responsibility of providing out-of-hours medical cover.

Previously, GP practices arranged weekend and after-hours cover using a rota system.

The service, which has its HQ in Shrivenham Road, has been blighted by teething problems.

On occasions the team has struggled to cope as demand for the service continues to soar.

Helen Thompson, secretary of the Swindon Patient and Public Involvement Forum, said: "This is not an acceptable situation and things need to improve.

"But the figures are roughly comparable to the other PCTs in the region. I understand the service is bringing in new doctors and nurses this autumn."

Kevin Shoesmith