THE Department of Health has stepped into the row between Chippenham GP Barney Williams and Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust.

Dr Williams was due to have his contract terminated at the end of the month after a dispute over out of hours coverage.

This week the trust was told by the Department of Health that it was setting up an arbitataton process and his period of notice was to be extended if he agreed.

It is understood the dispute is the first of its kind nationally. Letters are being sent to all Marshfield patients.