OUT-of-hours GP services users have jumped by nearly a third since the new service started, it has been revealed.

The number of people dialling the call line (0300 123 3211) has increased by 32 per cent since July when Worcestershire Primary Care Trust appointed Take Care Now to run the service.

Figures released by the PCT showed more calls were being answered within a minute while the number of urgent face-to-face consultations within two hours of the call had risen from 82 per cent to 98 per cent.

While everyone who needed an urgent face-to-face consultation within one hour was now able.

All GPs surgeries now also receive updates on which patients have been treated through the out-of-hours service.

A Take Care Now spokesman said the jump in the number of users showed “many more patients” could now use the service.

Paul Bates, PCT chief executive, said: " We are determined to obtain the best services we can for patients with the resources we have.”

Of the back of the results, he said it was “vital” people called the right service during the busy winter period.

People can call out-of-hours when their GP surgery is closed and NHS Direct offers 24-hour advice on 0845 4647 or by visiting nhsdirect.nhs.uk For ailments including fractures, minor burns and scalds, patients should go to a Minor Injuries Unit, and only use Accident and Emergency for serious problems.

For serious incidents and life-threatening problems people should always dial 999.