A NEW out-of-hours medical service began in the Tees Valley this week, following a change in GPs contracts.

Tens of thousands of people have been sent letters outlining the new system, which changes the way urgent medical cover is provided when doctors surgeries are closed.

A company called Primecare will deliver out-of-hours' care for areas covered by the five primary care trusts in the Tees Valley - Langbaurgh, Middlesbrough, North Tees, Hartlepool and Darlington.

The move means doctors will be free to concentrate on their day jobs, which is when the majority of people need to see them. It will also reduce the need for house calls.

From April 1, people in the Tees Valley needing urgent medical attention on Mondays to Fridays from 6pm to 8am and throughout bank holidays, should call (0870) 2406518. Calls are charged at the national rate.

Some GP surgeries may offer non-urgent services on Saturday mornings.

A trained Primecare call-handler will ask for contact details and a brief description of the problem.

The caller will then speak to a qualified nurse, who will decide on the appropriate course of action.

A spokesman from Langbaurgh Primary Care Trust said: "It may be that advice over the phone is all that is needed, or an appointment at an out-of-hours clinic in one our local community hospitals. These clinics are by appointment only, to avoid long waits.

"People will be encouraged to make their own way to the out-of-hours clinic at the community hospital, but where this may be difficult, transport will be provided.

"It may be a home visit is the most appropriate course of action and this will be decided by a doctor or a nurse.

"The changes will not affect the Minor Injuries Units at local community hospitals, which will still be open 24 hours a day to deal with minor injuries."

The 999 paramedic service is still available for emergency illness or serious injury and NHS Direct (0845) 4647 offers advice 24 hours a day.