GPs open longer for patients

Sep 18 2008 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

DOCTORS’ surgeries are opening for longer in a bid to improve patient service.

More GP practices are offering extended opening hours, including evening and weekend surgeries.

Figures to the end of August show that 56 out of 74 Kirklees practices are opening longer, and more are expected to register to do so in the coming weeks.

The Local Enhanced Service interim arrangement will end on September 30, and NHS Kirklees has written to GPs inviting them to join the Directed Enhanced Service (DES) Extended Hours Access Scheme which will start on October 1.

It means the area is well ahead of the government target which requires 50% of practices within a borough to extend their hours.