Request 1

I would like know when the contract for the current out of hours provider will end.

Response 1

Contract end date is 31 May 2016 with the option to extend.  Re-tender date is May 2018. 

Request 2

Also does this current provider offer a patient transport system for patients that have no transport and cannot afford a taxi?

Response 2

In line with the contract, the provider must have robust strategies, policies and local care links to ensure a robust ability to safely transport, on the basis of clinical need, a patient to the OOHs Centre.  The Provider may provide non-urgent transport for patients who have been identified as requiring a ‘face to face’ consultation, and whom without such transport would require a home visit by the GP where it is commercially beneficial to them and clinically appropriate to do so.

Request 3

What are the current out of hours providers time targets for triage visits and face to face?

Response 3

Triage:

Immediate Life Threatening Condition 999 = <3 minutes

Urgent priority = <20 minutes

Routine priority = <60 minutes

Primary Care Centre:

Emergency = <60 minutes

Urgent = <120 minutes

Less urgent = <360 minutes

Home visits:

Emergency = <60 minutes

Urgent = <120 minutes

Less urgent = <360 minutes. 

Request 4

Does this provider undergo regular inspections to make sure they are still providing the service to contractual agreements and safe standards for patients?

Response 4

Bi-monthly performance meetings are held by the CCG with the provider which monitors both the performance and quality of the service in line with the contract.

The contract with our provider requires it to undertake random checks and audits of its systems and data collation.  The CCG also audits and investigates reporting on a sample basis to test data produced.

The service is CQC registered and undergoes inspections as appropriate. 

Request 5

Could you provide Contractual specifications for your current OOH provider?

Response 5

Operational times – the GP OOHs service is operational from 6.30pm to 8.00am weekdays and 24 hours on weekends and bank holidays. 

Request 6

If there was a pickup/transport service as I see there should be due to the number of family's that wouldn't be able to afford taxi's and or don't drive how long would they be expected to wait.

Response 6

Please see response 2

Request 7

When a patient calls OOH how long should they wait before they get a call back

Response 7

Please see response 3

Request 8

If they need a GP appointment how quickly should that be given/how long should they wait?

Response 8

Please see response 3

Request 9

If they require a home visit how long should they wait?

Response 9

Please see response 3