NEW out-of-hours healthcare arrangements swing into action across part of Hampshire today.

After months of planning, systems have been put in place to launch a new scheme for anyone needing a GP outside normal surgery hours.

From today, local primary care trusts (PCTs) will be responsible for providing healthcare services between 6.30pm and 8am on weekdays and throughout the weekend.

The new service, part of a wider plan to modernise the NHS, will offer health advice and assessment when GP surgeries are closed.

A healthcare professional will assess the caller's symptoms over the phone and advise on the best treatment - which could be self-care, a visit to a newly-established primary care centre or a home visit by a GP.

The new primary care centres will offer treatment for people who do not need to be seen at home but are able to travel for medical attention out of hours. Run by healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses and paramedics, the centres will see patients by prior arrangement only.

Centres will be located in Bitterne, Shirley, Romsey, Winchester, Hythe, Fordingbridge, Lymington and Andover.

The PCTs responsible for the new arrangements are Southampton City, Eastleigh and Test Valley South, New Forest and Mid Hampshire.

All have been promoting the new system through roadshows at local supermarkets and shopping centres.

Thousands of leaflets and posters have also been dished out to GP surgeries, pharmacies, supermarkets, libraries and citizen's advice bureaux across the area in a bid to spread the word.

OUT-OF-HOURS CHECKLIST:

Is the problem life-threatening or a medical emergency?

This includes loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, heavy blood loss, severe head injury and severe difficulties in breathing.

If so, call 999 for an ambulance.

Is the problem urgent?

If you feel you may need to see a healthcare professional, call the out-of-hours service on 0845 601 8803.

A healthcare professional will assess whether you need to treat yourself at home, go to a primary care centre or have a home visit from a GP.

Do you need help and advice?

If you are not sure how urgent the problem is and you feel you need expert help and advice, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647. Trained staff will advise you on how to treat yourself at home or refer you to the appropriate service. NHS Direct is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is staffed by qualified health professionals.