Brighton and Hove out-of-hours GP service re-awarded contract

The company running the out-of-hours GP (general practitioner) service in Brighton and Hove has been awarded a fresh contract covering a bigger area.

IC24 – also known as Integrated Care 24 and formerly known as South East Health and Brightdoc – will now provide cover across Sussex and East Surrey.

Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) combined with CCGs across the area to award the new contract which starts in April.

The contract has an estimated value of £35 million and is likely to run for three years.

Brighton and Hove CCG’s head of commissioning for urgent and planned care, Wendy Young, said: “We know how important it is to have access to a GP even when your own GP practice is closed.

“That’s why this procurement process was absolutely vital.

“By joining together with neighbouring CCGs we have run a thorough, robust and consistent process to choose the right provider for the job.”

The service is intended to provide the public with access to medical help and support when their usual GP surgery is closed.

Patients and carers can reach the service by phoning 111.

The operators will be provided by South East Coast Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust and decide whether to arrange a phone call or home visit from a doctor or arrange alternative treatment.