News

Extra GP appointments available in the evening and at the weekend for Londoners

Over 9 million Londoners will now be able to book routine GP appointments in the evening, at the weekend and over bank holidays as London becomes the first area to offer everyone improved access to GP services.

The scheme, which is funded by NHS England’s GP Forward View, will provide an additional 75,000 appointments each month with clinical staff such as GPs and nurses.

Public satisfaction with general practice remains high, but in recent years patients have increasingly reported, through the GP Patient Survey, more difficulty in accessing services.

 

Regional Director for London, Professor Jane Cummings said: “We know it’s not always easy to find time to squeeze in an appointment with your GP to fit in with a busy work and family life.

“Appointments at evenings and weekends will not only improve access to GP services but will also help manage pressures on urgent and emergency care services especially over the busy winter period.

“Increasing access to GP services is one of the highest priorities for the NHS and I am thrilled that London is the first region to be able to offer this to everyone.

“Although patients may not see their usual doctor or nurse they can expect to receive the same excellent level of treatment and care. GPs will have access to a patient’s electronic health care record.”

 

Dr Siân Howell, London clinical access lead and a GP in Southwark said: “It is fantastic that London is leading the way as the first region in the UK to offer 100 per cent extended access to GP services.

“We have worked with Healthy London Partnership and Clinical Commissioning Groups across London to make this a reality and achieve one of the key health ambitions for all Londoners to be able to see a GP in the evenings and at weekends.

“We need to continue to build on this to make sure we have the best systems in place across all of general practice in London, not only supporting patients to access the right service to meet their needs in a timely way, but also so those working in general practice are empowered to always deliver the best care they can.”

The service is available to everyone registered with a GP in London. Patients are being asked to contact their own GP surgery to book their appointments – when the surgery is closed patients are asked to follow instructions on the surgery answer phone or call 111.

 -ENDS-

 Notes to editors:

GP services are available 7 days a week across London with additional appointments available evening and at the weekends.

Today (Monday 11 December) a public campaign has launched to make sure people are aware of these extra appointments. Look out for #staywellLondon.

For more information please contact the NHS England (London) media team on 020 3182 4984 or email england.lsmedia@nhs.net