AN out-of-hours GP service for Cumbria is highly valued by residents across the county, a new report concludes.

Cumbria Health On Call provides people who are unwell at night and during weekends with an emergency appointment to see a doctor at six locations around the area, including at Furness General Hospital, in Barrow.

Now, a survey on the service, which helps around 2,500 people a week, has revealed people think highly of the care they receive from CHoC - with most of those taking part claiming they were given reassuring advice or help and were seen quickly.

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David Blacklock, chief executive of Healthwatch Cumbria - which compiled the report - said: "It's clear that CHoC is providing a high-quality service which is valued by large numbers of patients.

"I'd like to congratulate the CHoC Board, leaders and staff on this report which clearly demonstrates that their hard work is making a real difference when people need it the most."

More than 1,670 people took part in the survey after using CHoC.

They were asked a series of questions about their experience which were later analysed by assessors at Healthwatch Cumbria.

Among the positive aspects of the service highlighted by users was the high level of care and attention they received from staff and the fact they know they can access speedy health care when their GP surgery is closed.

Some 83 per cent of patients reported their wait to see a CHoC doctor as quicker than they expected or on time.

While many patients contacted CHoC directly, others were redirected from the NHS 111 line, operated by the North West Ambulance Service - something users expressed dissatisfaction with.

Professor Shirley Reveley, CHoC chairman, said: “CHoC is delighted to have received such a positive report from Healthwatch Cumbria about patient experiences of the service.

"We continually strive to provide a service for people that ensures their needs are met by providing consistent, high quality care at the right time and in the right place.

"This independent survey is testament to the fact that our vision is being realised in practice and we will use the results of the survey to further enhance the service we offer."

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