The local bodies involved - both Camidoc and the four primary care trusts which commission the GP co-operative - were heavily criticised.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Q&A: GP out-of-hours care

There is also a question of whether the GP co-operatives and other groups now responsible for care were ready for the responsibility.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Q&A: GP out-of-hours care

She said a new computer decision support system was due to be introduced nationally in the next few months, which would act as a reference point for NHS Direct sites and GP co-ops.

BBC: NHS Direct referrals criticised

Hunters Lodge Medical Centre in Leicester Forest East, which had 3, 200 registered users, is shutting as the GP who co-owns the site is retiring.

BBC: Stephen Dorrell

Its preferred option is that from 2200 BST to 0800 BST, the department would be run by a new urgent care co-operative to be formed between the department and its GP out-of-hours service.

BBC: Trust attacked on GP recruitment at Downe Hospital