There's concern about tele-health being promoted as an alternative to after hours medical care

Figures released under the Official Information Act show in the first eight months of last year, 24 practices and clinics had to reduce hours or close.

A lack of staff and cost pressures are being blamed.

Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton says she's really worried about tele-heath being used in place of face-to-face after hours care.

She says telehealth can be a great backup in some situations -- but people living in an urban area should have a reasonable expectation to be seen.