FAQs
Is East Berkshire Primary Care Out of Hours part of the NHS?
We are commissioned by the East Berkshire CCG- a clinically led membership group of GP practices that manage and commission a range of local health services.
We operate under the NHS logo to let patients know that the service is part of the NHS and therefore free to use. We operate under NHS guidelines and all of our out of hours calls are passed through to our service via NHS 111.
Are the EBPC services inspected?
We are registered with the Care Quality Commission, the independent regulator of health and social care in England. All of our services are regularly inspected, and you can view all of our CQC reports on their website.
How do I access out of hours services when my GP surgery is closed?
In order to access out of hours primary care, you must come through the NHS 111 system. If you or a family member fall ill outside of your normal GP opening times, then you should call 111 unless it is a life-threatening emergency- in which case dial 999.
You will be assessed by a 111 operator who will then be able to give you the advice you need or direct you to the most suitable local service for your needs. That could be an OOH doctor, urgent care centre, primary care centre or walk in centre. Where possible they will book you an appointment to see one of our doctors either face to face or over the phone unless they suggest you visit one of our centres where no appointments are required.
Do I have to pay for any of your services?
Out of hours services are provided under the NHS and is therefore free at the point of delivery for all UK residents. As is the case with all NHS care there may still be some costs that you need to pay depending on the type of treatment and your circumstances such as paying for prescriptions.
Why are you providing my out of hours care?
EBPC has been commissioned by the local clinical commissioning groups to deliver out of hours care to the local community of East Berkshire and Richmond.
CCGs are clinically led statutory NHS bodies who are responsible for the planning and commissioning of healthcare services to the local area.
EBPC provides OOH care to people living in Bracknell Forest, Slough, Ascot, Windsor & Maidenhead and Richmond when GP surgeries are closed.
EBPC also run local primary care centres that are an alternative to A&E or your GP surgery such as urgent care centres and walk in centres. These are offered to give patients more choice and help reduce pressure on other primary care services.