Sir, Last Monday saw me booked in for an emergency appointment at the health centre.

Unfortunately, in the early hours of Saturday morning, I had to dial 111. I can honestly say the person I spoke to was lovely and transferred me to the out-of-hours GP (based at Abingdon). He was lovely and appreciated my apology for phoning at the crack of dawn.

But I do wonder if it would be fairer if areas took it in turns to do “out of hours” as it always seems to be Abingdon which is a jolly long way to go and not everyone has the available transport. Some years ago, I remember seeing the out-of-hours GP at Witney hospital. There is an extremely good Minor Injuries Unit but that was not the right place for an extremely unwell person in this instance; apart from which I was not able to travel anyway.

Last year I treated my own head gash at 11.30pm and saw my GP the next day but how much better it would have been for a local last responder/GP to attend.

I remember getting extremely tired on night duty (I found daytime sleep impossible!) so very much appreciate the fantastic doctors; and also appreciate they too need family time.

Abingdon surgery must be very fed up always doing the “out of hours”. How about sharing it around? Again, apologies to 111 and out of hours.

D. Holloway (Mrs)
Wenrisc Drive
Minster Lovell