West Cambs Federation shuts: Out-of-hours GP service in administration

West Cambs Federation had a base in Alconbury Weald

An out-of-hours GP service which could be accessed by 200,000 people has gone in to administration.

West Cambs Federation also provided eating disorder support, cancer screening and mental health services in Fenland and Huntingdonshire.

According to its 2022 accounts, the company had 111 employees.

It has been contacted by the BBC for comment, while the local NHS said it was working to ensure patients "can continue to access" services they need.

The federation delivered about 130 daily "enhanced access appointments" which usually took place in evenings and at weekends.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System (CPICS) said these appointments would now be delivered by different providers.

Byron Hinson said it was disappointing the service closed down

Byron Hinson, from St Ives, said he used West Cambs Federation, adding that it was "disappointing it's closed as it was such a great service for those who work until five or six in the evening and can never get appointments at our own surgery".

"I'd also said how excellent the doctor was who I saw... I feel for her, especially if they have lost their jobs over it."

West Cambs Federation was rated as "good" by the care regulator and its website said it undertook physical health checks for those on GP practices' "severe mental illness register". It also monitored eating disorder patients.

It was founded in 2016 and as it was a community interest company "all profits are reinvested in patient care," its website stated.

A CPICS spokeswoman said: "Our focus is to ensure local people can continue to access good quality healthcare, which includes out of hours appointments.

"We are working closely with colleagues in general practice to ensure that communities in Fenland and Huntingdonshire can continue to access the services that were previously offered by West Cambs Federation."

Do you have a story to share with the BBC East Investigations Team?

You can reach Phil Shepka by email at [e-mail]