Out of Hours
Covering out of hours (OOH) remains an important part of GP training. This is a challenging part of GP practice. You will have to make difficult decisions; admitting people or managing them safely at home with minimal background information. Increasingly, out-of-hours work is a major source of income for recently qualified GPs. The skills learned will also help you in your daytime work.
How much OOH do I need to do?
Currently, you are required to gain 72 hours OOH experience during your registrar year. This is not difficult but you will need to work steadily at it through the year. Demand for sessions can be very high late in the year, so plan ahead.
What does it consist of?
Out of hours work includes phone triage,
working in treatment centres and doing home
visits by car. When doing car shifts you are accompanied
by a professional driver.
Don't worry, at the beginning of the year you can expect
close supervision by your OOH supervisor. You will be
encouraged to practice more independently as the year goes on.
How do I arrange it?
If your trainer or a member of the practice does OOH work, they will often be able to supervise your sessions. If not, then you will need to contact Dorset Unscheduled Care (your practice will have contact details) to arrange supervision.
