The National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) Regulations 2004

Services generally

20.  A contract must contain a term which requires the contractor in core hours—

(a)to provide—

(i)essential services, and

(ii)additional services funded under the global sum,

at such times, within core hours, as are appropriate to meet the reasonable needs of its patients; and

(b)to have in place arrangements for its patients to access such services throughout the core hours in case of emergency.