GPs extend surgery times

Date published: 17/06/2008

Some Rochdale GPs have extended their surgery times to make it easier for patients to get an appointment.

Selected surgeries are offering the extended service as part of schemes funded by Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust (PCT).

Vivienne Ben-David, Head of Primary Care at the PCT, said: “From listening to patients and consulting research such as the GP Patients Survey, we recognise that there is a real need to make GP appointments more accessible. We are constantly working to improve access to healthcare for our patients and the public, and by offering this service we will be able to reach the number of people who find it difficult to attend normal surgery times due to work or family commitments.”

The surgeries will provide patients with appointments during one or two evenings per week and on a Saturday. The service will help to make it easier for full time workers or carers in the area to access GP appointments. Patients can book these new appointments by contacting the practice reception like usual.