Night terror (From The Argus)

Night terror

3:16pm Monday 8th February 2010 in

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I am astonished there is only one GP on call overnight to cover the quarter of a million residents in Brighton and Hove, and we are all having to rely on this one solitary doctor should we fall ill (The Argus, February 1).

He or she is having to cover about 34 square miles between midnight and 8am. I am not surprised MPs have criticised the ratio of doctors to patients, which I think they have aptly described as “shocking”.

Although health officials have stated they have not yet failed to provide a doctor when needed, they are taking a great risk. They have been lucky that more than one doctor has not been required at any one time.

Based temporarily at the outpatient department at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, it is good to know there is a second GP to deal with late-night emergency calls if needed.

I hope Brighton and Hove Primary Care Trust is keeping a close eye on this situation and that if improvements in cover need to be made they will be. I am sure all residents will be concerned on learning of this night-time cover.

Steve Fuller
Rowan Avenue, Hove