AN enhanced ‘Out of Hours’ medical service has been launched in Malvern this week.

Independent healthcare provider Take Care Now (TCN) has now taken over provision of the service, which allows patients to access medical support for issues that cannot wait until their GP surgery is open.

The Out of Hours service operates between 6.30pm-8am Monday to Friday, and 24 hours at weekends and anyone requiring the service should call the new Out of Hours phone number 0300 123 3211.

TCN is operating its service from six centres across the county, including Malvern Community Hospital.

The service provides qualified doctors and nurses who will diagnose, treat or refer patients locally.

TCN medical director James Kennedy said: “We are delighted to have retained all the staff working in the local out of hours service and added 30 more.

“In all we have more than 50 highly trained professionals operating the Worcestershire service from six local Primary Care centres, of which Malvern is one. There will be a local management team and a local lead doctor and nurse to ensure patients the personal and efficient service they rightly expect.”

Worcestershire Primary Care Trust chief executive Paul Bates said TCN had demonstrated its experience, capacity and capability to run an excellent service for patients.

The PCT has also stressed that the Out of Hours venues are not ‘walk in centres’, and that patients should always call in advance.