The after-hours, bulk-billing doctor service is due to start up in Armidale from June 1. 

National manager Lindsay Stewart said the GPs deal with minor, non-life-threatening conditions, such as flu, minor sporting injuries and stitches. 

Mr Stewart said local GPs can sign up to have the service care for their patients after hours and more doctors would be brought into Tamworth to treat patients. 

He said the service would ease the pressure on Tamworth hospital’s emergency department. 

Development manager Matt Hutchinson, based in Armidale, said he was eagerly anticipating the Dial a Home Doctor service. 

Mr Hutchinson said when his young children fell ill earlier this week, it was a two- to three-day wait to see a GP. 

“I think it will fill a much-neededservice,” Mr Hutchinson said. 

Tamworth GP Jenny May said she would welcome any initiative that improves access to quality, after-hours general practice care. 

“While most GP practices in Tamworth already provide after- hours care to their patients, this service may help those who do not have access,” Dr May said. 

But she said continuity of care for patients was vital. 

“Continuity of care has been shown to have the best long-term health outcomes and to be the most cost-effective model for delivering primary care,” she said.