A MAJOR update has been issued on Herefordshire's out-of-hours GP service.

The service, which is operated by Taurus Healthcare, is on the move, it has been confirmed.

From today (November 26), patients who have a face-to-face appointment with an out-of-hours general practice healthcare professional will be sent to Nelson House, Whitecross Road, Hereford, HR4 0DG. Previously, the service was run from Station Medical Centre in Hereford.

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The out-of-hours urgent GP service is only available following referral from NHS111 when surgeries are closed and if patient needs are thought to be best dealt with by general practice. It is not a drop-in service.

Dr Mike Hearne, GP and managing director of Taurus Healthcare said: “Feedback on the out-of-hours service has always been very positive and the quality and level of service provided will not be affected by the move to Nelson House.

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“The service is being relocated simply because we have recently bought our own premises that provide us with the capacity to see patients. Over the last couple of months we have undertaken significant refurbishment of the premises, including the development of new clinical consultation rooms. These are now ready for use.”

The entrance to the out-of-hours service will be from the rear of the building and clearly signposted from Whitecross Road. Patient parking is provided, including designated disabled spaces.

Taurus Healthcare will continue to offer routine evening and weekend appointments (bookable via patients’ GP surgeries) at 10 hubs throughout Herefordshire. These will be unaffected by this change.