RESIDENTS of a Teesdale village will soon have to make a lengthy journey to Bishop Auckland to receive out-of-hours medical care, after changes to the GP service were announced.

From July 1, people from Middleton-in-Teesdale will now have to make a 42-mile round trip if they want to see a doctor after 6pm and before 8am, Monday to Friday, and at any time over the weekend or on bank holidays.

The surgery in Middleton has opted out of providing out-of-hours care, meaning that residents will now be forced to use the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust (PCT) in Bishop Auckland.

Two GPs operate out of one surgery in Middleton-in-Teesdale.

The move follows the contract negotiated by doctors with the Government that allows GPs to opt out of providing services out of hours.

A letter from one of the GPs, Dr Peter Austin, which was sent to all of the patients, said: "We understand the arrangements provided have proved satisfactory for the patients of our neighbouring practices, and trust the arrangements will be satisfactory to our patients as well.

"Our withdrawing from out-of-hours service will yield approximately £50,000, which we trust the PCT will invest in services for our patients."

Middleton-in-Teesdale councillor Richard Betton said: "I'm disappointed about the service provided, but I can understand their decision, with only two doctors working up here.

"It's a long way for people to travel, but perhaps better than having two doctors on 24/7 cover."

All other practices in the Durham Dales area have already opted out of providing out-of-hours services.

The move is expected to attract criticism from locals at a public meeting to be held on Thursday, at 7pm, in Middleton-in-Teesdale Masonic Hall, where representatives from the PCT and the practice will be available to answer questions.

As part of the new service, if patients need urgent GP treatment out of hours they can ring (01388) 455455. If the patient needs to be seen by a doctor, they will be offered an appointment at Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

Home visits and transport services are available to those unable to travel to Bishop Auckland.

Emergencies will still be dealt with by the ambulance service and local hospitals by ringing 999.