Star comment: Shropdoc backing is welcomed

Plans for improvements, efficiencies and savings seem to have been terminally delayed.

The sort of poor practice that must be rooted out to ensure patients received good services and time is not wasted has been very much in evidence in recent years. It is no surprise, therefore, the crumbs of comfort we receive from health bosses are welcomed with open arms.

And news the Shropshire out-of-hours GP service will not suffer in the face of financial challenges is a perfect example. Our health service provides treatment on a hierarchical basis.

Those who require urgent medical intervention must use the 999 service.

Those not in immediate danger can use other alternatives, including Shropdoc and their local GP. Shropdoc has been a boon for patients. And a statement from the Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin clinical commissioning groups and Powys Teaching Health Board in support of it is good news.

The service alleviates the pressure that would otherwise mount on critical services, including A&E and 999. It has a profoundly positive impact on the lives of those who cannot manage their own symptoms or conditions, but who do not require blue light treatment.

The degree of certainty conferred is welcome. It will have a positive effect on patient care and residents can continue to dial the service without fear of being ignored.

Shropdoc provides us all with a reminder we must use our health service wisely. As we head towards another weekend of festivities, we must remember the NHS has finite resources.

If it is used sensibly by its patients, with people accessing the correct type of care, it becomes more efficient and thereby provides higher quality services. So, for instance, when people avoid dialling ambulances when Shropdoc will suffice, the 999 service is preserved for those in life-or-death situations.

Similarly, when people can wait to see a GP, rather than dial Shropdoc, that also reduces the pressure on services. We all have a duty to do what we can to both be aware of the levels of service available and not to abuse them by using the NHS incorrectly. The guarantees given to Shropdoc will improve the quality of care for patients and provide reassurance to people who are poorly over coming years.