Out-of-hours care in West Kent

The provision of medical services outside of normal surgery hours was once considered a key feature of the general practitioner's duties. In recent years, however, there has been a fundamental shift in the organisation of 'out of hours' care. Research has shown a long-term trend towards increased patient demand, but a decline in GPs' willingness to provide that service personally. Many in the profession have questioned whether the increased volume of out of hours work reflects a growth in genuine health need, or, in unreasonable demand from patients.