New GP hours ‘helping patients’

Dec 12 2008 by Emma Davison, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

MORE people in Yorkshire are finding it easier to see a doctor when it is convenient for them, according to new figures.

The Department of Health revealed that two-thirds of GPs in the region are opening longer and creating thousands of extra appointments – to the benefit of the many people who struggle to see a doctor within traditional opening hours.

The figures show that 532 out of 804 (66.2%) practices across the region have now extended opening hours.

The research was released in response to the first national GP patient survey last year, where patients said they would find it easier to access services if they could make appointments at the weekend, in the evening or early in the morning.

Helen Parkin, Primary Care lead for NHS Yorkshire, said: “If we make it easier for people to see a doctor the more likely they are to go.