1. NHS Direct and Out of Hours Care Paul Jenkins Acting National Director Dr Andy Lee - National Medical Adviser

2. Key messages Policy and strategy - Commissioning Framework Clinical sorting in OOH

3. NHS Direct - Context NHS Direct to be established as a Special Health Authority by April 2004 PCTs commissioning NHS Direct from same date OOH clinical integration largest service priority to be completed by December 2006

4. Commissioning Framework - OOH Provider of Choice and last resort Nationally Enhanced Service Flexible service models

5. Working with other providers Variety of approaches possible Must be compatible with quality and governance framework Must offer value for money Common technology and process

6. Next Steps Further integration in 2004/5 Engagement with PCTS to agree longer term timetable Development and evaluation of service models Capacity growth Performance improvement including clinical sorting