GPs in Calderdale have joined the move to release pressure from over burdened A&E units.
Starting today until March 28 2014, a number of GP practices will open on Saturday mornings for urgent appointments only.
Research shows that Saturday mornings are busy times all year round in A&E – and even busier in the winter.
Huddersfield GPs led the way, opening on Saturdays for the first time two weeks ago.
Now 11 Calderdale practices have put their hands up to help ease the strain on the embattled casualty department at Calderdale Royal Hospital.
They will open from 10.30am to 12.30pm for registered patients only.
Patients whose surgery isn’t part of the scheme can still call NHS 111 if they have an urgent health need and there will be the normal out of hours care available.
Below is an initial list of participating practices, which other local surgeries may join in the near future: Brig Royd Surgery, Horne Street Surgery, King Cross Practice, Longroyde Surgery, Queens Road Surgery, Rosegarth Surgery, Southowram Surgery, Stainland Road Medical Centre, The Boulevard, The Northolme Practice, Beechwood Medical Centre (opening on Saturdays from December 28).
Meanwhile, Calderdale patients have two centres available on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day for non-life threatening illnesses.
Walk-in services will be operating for all Calderdale residents at Calder Community Practice in Todmorden and Park Community Practice in Horne Street, Halifax from 8am to 8pm.
Two pharmacies will also be open on all three holidays – King Cross Pharmacy and Elland Pharmacy.
King Cross will open from 10am to 6pm while Elland will open 10am-12pm, 2-4pm and 6-8pm on Christmas and Boxing Day and 12-4pm on New Year’s Day.
22 Huddersfield GPs agree to open on Saturdays to ease A&E pressure - click here to read
