Main Report of the National Review of Primary Care Out of Hours Services

Key Definitions

Primary Care

Primary care provides access to care at the right time when it is required and secures ongoing care in the community and continuity of relationships, where this is important.* In addition to GP practices, primary care services covers: community services - including: district and community nursing, mental health and dental services, community pharmacies, optometrists - and for effective health and social care integration - social care services, third and independent sector provision.

^* Securing the future of general practice: new models of care. The Kings Fund & Nuffield Trust, 2013.

Out of Hours

This describes the period when general practice services are normally closed. By regulation, general medical (GP) services** are provided between 08.00 and 18.30, Monday to Friday, with no obligation to deliver services outwith these times. In practice out of hours provision often starts at 18.00.

**As defined by the National Health Service: General Medical Services Contract Scotland Regulations, 2004.

Urgent Care
Urgent care in the community that requires a response before the next routine care service is available.

Emergency Care
Care that requires an immediate response to a time-critical health care need.