A NEW out-of-hours medical service in Darlington and the Tees Valley goes live today.

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.

Darlington Primary Care Trust is among the first in the country pressing ahead with the scheme.

During the week, from 6pm until 8am the next day and over the weekend, when the surgery doors are locked, seven overnight care practitioners will come on duty to look after people's urgent - but not emergency - medical needs.

Emergencies still call 999 and go to hospital and NHS Direct (on 0845 4647) can offer advice 24 hours a day.

But ailments that can't wait for the doctor and surgery hours will be directed to the new out-of-hours service, and where appropriate, an emergency care practitioner.

The move follows a new contract negotiated with the Government which allows GPs to opt out of providing out-of-hours services.

It 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.

Darlington PCT's chief executive Colin Morris said: "Most of the country is adopting the new out-of-hours service between now and the end of the year. We've taken a lead here, which is tremendously exciting."

Director of public health Dr Nonnie Crawford said: "Doctors are a scarce resource and we want to help them to use their skills in the best possible way for patient care within Darlington."

Chairman of the PCT's professional executive committee Dr Richard Harker said: "The new system will be a better use of resources and let the GPs get on with their daytime work, which is when the vast majority of people book appointments and need to see them."

Durham Dales and Sedgefield Primary Care Trust are aiming to switch to the new system on December 1.