Out-of-hours NHS services in Cornwall are to be put out to tender.

It is after the body responsible for commissioning the service decided not to progress with an interim solution.

NHS Kernow, the clinical commissioning group for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, announced recently that a plan to develop an interim out-of-hours service with an alliance of local providers was not viable.

It follows the contract with existing providers Serco being terminated by mutual agreement, 16 months early.

Dr Iain Chorlton, a member of NHS Kernow’s Governing Body and a GP in Gunnislake, said: “Tendering for services provides an opportunity to improve service quality, patient outcomes and value for money.

“Serco is currently performing well and we intend to commission a service that builds on that good work. The out-of-hours service for Cornwall will be an important part of our ambition to create community services that work together for the benefit of local people.

“We will be involving local clinicians and patient representatives in our process, and will announce the new provider early next year.”