Nelson's after-hours GP service at risk

Nelson doctors are threatening not to renew contracts with the Nelson Bays Primary Health Organisation (PHO), saying they can no longer afford to subsidise a joint after-hours medical service.

General practitioners' spokesman Graham Loveridge said alternative arrangements needed to be developed for after-hours care before the contracts expired in December.

GPs who provide after-hours care on a rostered basis have become increasingly concerned at dropping patient numbers, since Nelson Hospital's accident and emergency department was redeveloped.

Dr Loveridge said shareholding GPs last week committed to maintaining the service over the summer, but its future after that remains unclear.