AN out-of-hours GP service that was introduced three months ago is already proving a hit with patients.

More than 2,000 patients have attended the Urgent Care Centre (UCC) at Peterlee's Community Hospital, since the service started at the end of October.

Patients can make telephone appointments and avoid travelling to hospital accident and emergency departments to be treated for minor ailments and injuries.

Wendy Baker, director of service integration at Easington Primary Care Trust (PCT), said: "Early patient feedback has been very positive with patients greatly valuing the option of attending a local centre for urgent care instead of travelling to A and E units.

"During the last three months, the A and E department at University Hospital Hartlepool has said it appears fewer patients from Easington are arriving there for treatment.

"Research is now being carried out to properly assess the effect the UCC is having on A and E attendances.''

The UCC opened when responsibility for providing out-of-hours urgent health care was transferred from GPs to Easington PCT.

Other benefits offered at the centre include a radiology department, which is also used by GPs on evenings and weekends for routine x-rays, and is also useful for residents who work during the day.

The PCT admitted there were improvements to be made, as some patients are experiencing difficulties getting their initial telephone call to out-of-hours provider Primecare being answered. They have had to wait longer than the national standard from the point of talking to an expert nurse to receiving the treatment they need.

But Ms Baker said: "Largely this was due to the sheer volume of calls received.

"We are, however, working with Primecare to better understand why these problems occurred and will be developing clear remedial plans.''

The out-of-hours service operates from Monday to Friday, from 6pm to 8am the following day, and at weekends from 6pm on a Friday to 8am on a Monday.

The telephone number is 0870 2406518.