A HEALTH watchdog has launched a review into controversial new arrangements for people who need to see a GP at night or weekends.

One of East Lancashire's Patient and Public Involvement Forums watchdogs set up by the Government to monitor NHS services is asking for patients' experiences of the out-of-hours service based at Queen's Park Hospital in Blackburn.

It comes almost 18 months after the responsibility for the service was passed from GPs to health authorities giving doctors the chance to no longer take on tiring night and weekend shifts.

Waiting times are a key consideration, either at the hospital, at home or with the initial telephone call to the service, a forum head said today.

Melrose Diack, chairman of the patient forum for Blackburn with Darwen NHS Primary Care Trust, said: "The reasoning behind modernising the out-of-hours service is to ensure all patients have access to a high-quality service regardless of where they live or the GP practice they are registered with, and to ensure patients have access to a range of health care professionals regardless of the time of their emergency.

"In order to assist us in monitoring the service provided locally, we are inviting people in the Blackburn and Darwen area who have used the out-of-hours service recently to share their experiences, good and bad, with us. Obtaining as many real-life experiences as possible puts us in a stronger position if we feel there is a need to make recommendations to the PCT."

The services operates from 6pm-8.30am in the week and all hours at weekends and bank holidays. Around three doctors are at the centre at one time, treating about about 520 people each week, with the majority of people coming to the site.

Patients have to call a dedicated number 0845 2262626 which connects them to NHS Direct which decides whether they need immediate treatment.

But East Lancashire hospital chiefs warned at the time of the changes in September 2004 that more people were going to A&E because of confusion over the new arrangements. They have since said there were still too many people going to A&E who could be seen by a GP.

The centre also serves people in Hyndburn and Ribble Valley although the forum is looking to hear from Blackburn with Darwen patients.

To give your view call the forum on 01254 300469.