David Ruffley MP has written to the Chief Executive of Suffolk PCT, Carole Taylor-Brown, challenging her to provide answers on the subject of out of hours GP provision in Suffolk.

David Ruffley today said:

'The Daily Mail alleged today that there are only two out of hours GPs covering 600,000 people in Suffolk, although Suffolk PCT are disputing this.

'The figures indicate that Suffolk provides one of the worst regional services amongst 32 Primary Care Trusts. These PCTs are responsible for a fifth of the national total and for some 13 million patients, which were surveyed. Norfolk fares better with one doctor for every 185,000 patients.

'The figures were revealed amidst a dramatic rise in serious complaints. The Medical Defence Union said nationally there had been 17 complaints in the last two years relating to deaths after out of hours treatment.

'Many of my constituents are concerned and confused by the figures for Suffolk. So I have today written to the PCT to confirm the real figure. I will also inquire as to how many requests have been made in Suffolk for out of hours doctors and how many of those requests were responded to.'