A NEW out-of-hours medical service will be put in place in part of the region this week following a change in GPs contracts.

The five NHS Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in Tees Valley have arranged for a company called Primecare to deliver out-of-hours care to patients.

They include Langbaurgh PCT, Middlesbrough PCT, North Tees PCT, Hartlepool PCT and Darlington PCT.

From Thursday, patients in the area requiring urgent medical attention out of hours will call a national rate number.

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

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

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

A spokesperson from Langbaurgh PCT 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, but where this may be difficult transport will be provided.

"It may be that 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 minor injuries units at local community hospitals, which will still open 24 hours a day."

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

The new number to be called Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 8am and from 6pm Friday to 8am Monday and throughout bank holidays is (0870) 2406518.