A new urgent healthcare team is now operating at a South Hams medical centre.

The multi-skilled community health team is now working at Ivybridge Medical Centre to support patients with urgent care issues in a bid to reduce demand on local emergency services and Plymouth’s A&E.

The team offers same-day appointments where appropriate for those with conditions such as respiratory problems, chest or back pain, diabetes and ongoing chronic diseases. It comprises an urgent doctor, duty doctor, advanced paramedic, clinical pharmacist and advanced nurse.

Patients from Highlands Health Centre or the medical centre can ring their surgery’s reception if they think their issue is urgent and the new team will aim to contact them within an hour, where appropriate.

Team leader Dr Matthew Funnell said: “This is a fast, responsive service offering treatment and support for a variety of urgent care issues.

“I must stress that it is for urgent care only. If patients are assessed as non-urgent they’ll be offered a routine appointment. The service isn’t a substitute for A&E – for serious conditions patients should call 999 – but it helps reduce inappropriate attendance or admissions there.”

Patients have also seen 200 extra GP appointments become available each week are a result of an extended opening scheme.

Dr Gillian Bedeford, a GP at Highland Health Centre, said: “We aim to deliver greater accessibility to patients who find it difficult to attend during regular hours.

“It is particularly useful for commuters, parents with young families and other people who find it difficult to get to their practice in normal working hours.”

For more information, visit beaconmedicalgroup.nhs.uk.