Provision of services to patients during and outside normal hours
15.—(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), unless prevented by an emergency, a doctor shall attend and treat any patient who attends for the purpose at any place, and during the hours, for the time being approved by the Board under paragraph 36.
(2) Sub-paragraph (1) shall not apply to a patient who attends when an appointment system is in operation and who has not previously made, and is not then given, an appointment to see the doctor.
(3) A doctor may refuse to attend and treat the patient to whom sub-paragraph (2) applies, provided that—
(a)the patient’s health would not thereby be jeopardised; and
(b)the patient is offered an appointment to attend again within a time which is reasonable having regard to all the circumstances.
(4) A doctor shall take reasonable steps to ensure that no refusal is made pursuant to sub-paragraph (3) without his knowledge.