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