HEALTH chiefs are highlighting the fact that doctors’ appointments are now available in the evening and at weekends for Redditch residents.
The appointments are available between 6.30pm and 8pm on weekdays and at certain times at the weekend.
Redditch and Bromsgrove’s Clinical Commissioning Group of local doctors say if someone needs one of these appointments, they can be book by contacting their own surgery during its opening hours.
The extended access appointments will be either at the practice itself, or a nearby hub practice.
If a practice is closed there is information on its website with telephone numbers for the patient to arrange a routine appointment.
The national Improved Access scheme was introduced locally to provide more choice, greater convenience and increased access to GP and nurse appointments outside of normal working hours.
Lynda Dando, Director of Primary Care for the three Worcestershire CCGs, said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer this service to assist those patients who struggle to access GP or nurse appointments during the day.
“However, a lot of these extra appointments aren’t being used, as patients don’t know they are available.
“We would encourage patients to get in touch with their surgery to find out more if they need book outside of normal working hours.
“This is a great example of how primary care is evolving across Worcestershire, as we strive to continue to offer the best services possible for our residents.”
If a patients requires urgent treatment out of normal opening hours and it’s not an emergency, they should call NHS 111 who can talk them through their healthcare options, including access to Out of Hours GP appointments.
To find out more about Improved Access appointments visit www.worcestershire.nhs.uk/winter/extended-access
