It is not practical for GPs who are working in the out-of-hours Manx Emergency Doctors Service to also assist at A&E, says Health Minister Kate Beecroft.

Last year, the service (MEDS), received 18,130 calls. There were 8,627 face-to-face appointments and 821 home visits.

In Tynwald last week, Speaker Juan Watterson asked whether MEDS doctors assisted in accident and emergency at Noble’s Hospital when there was capacity.

In a written answer, Mrs Beecroft said: ’MEDS doctors have to be available to provide immediate telephone advice, diagnosing conditions and determining what treatment a patient needs and whether that treatment can wait till the next working day.

’In accident and emergency, a patient often requires concentrated support for an extended period from the emergency department doctors.

’This means that it is not practicable for the GP on call to be routinely helping out in A & E because whilst doing so they couldn’t provide a timely response to calls to MEDS.’

She added that GPs might not necessarily have up to date experience or skills for dealing with the ’full range of patients who present with acute conditions like trauma’.

Mrs Beecroft said MEDS capacity varied according to demand.

’On weekdays, during the hours of 6pm to 8am, there is one doctor on duty with nurse support, where possible, to provide patient consultations during the period 6 pm to 9pm,’ she said.

’There is always another doctor on call during this period should MEDS require additional support during peaks in demand.

’During the hours of 8am to 8pm on weekends and bank holidays, there are two doctors working at all times and the shifts are staggered to aid throughput.

’A nurse works between the hours of 9am to 9pm.’