No threat to GP out of-hours cover say Health Board

Information from a ‘salaried medical staff-briefing’ on October 5, seen by the Western Telegraph, states that changes by HMRC across Wales linked to self-employed workers “has the potential to weaken Hywel Dda University Heal Board’s OOH [out of hours] service if there is further erosion to the availability of GP’s currently working ad hoc sessions in the OOH service”.

It appears to indicate that the changes could mean those doctors who cover out of hour services as and when required, rather than on a rota, might decide not to do the work because of tax implications.

The leaked confidential report, written by out of hours general manager Nick Davies, adds: “This combined with other multifarious workforce pressures has resulted in the need to risk assess future service provision and develop contingency plans in the event that sessional staff no longer find themselves able to provide their services to the Health Board.”

Self-employed GPs currently cover 12 whole-time equivalent positions according to the report.

The health board has developed a “contingency rota” focusing on the salaried workforce to ensure evening and weekend base provision is maintained, with Glangwili being top priority and Withybush Hospital, second.

Hywel Dda issued a statement following a meeting with GPs on October 10, which said: “We strongly reassure everyone that there are no plans to close any of our treatment centre bases or alter out of hours service provision in anyway.”

It added that meetings are being held to “better understand how this new tax rule may affect GPs working for us”.

“We value the work of all our staff in helping us to deliver safe, high quality care and treatment and these meetings are part of our commitment to supporting everyone working within the out of hours service.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and share any updates with our staff and public.”