Two initiatives to enable patients to see their GP at a time more convenient to themselves have been launched in Coventry and Warwickshire by at NHS West Midlands.

The NHS has asked local doctors to stay open for longer, with appointments earlier in the morning, later in the evening or at weekends. From May, 70 per cent of GP surgeries launched the scheme, meaning there are now an additional three hours of appointments available every weekend and on Saturdays.

The NHS is also introducing new GP-led walk-in centres, where patients can see a doctor or nurse by phoning and booking in advance – or by simply walking in and waiting.

Director of Commissioning at NHS West Midlands, Eamonn Kelly, said:

‘We have made excellent progress with increasing access to GPs, with the number of GP practices providing early morning, evening and weekend opening steadily increasing.

‘The centres provide exactly the kind of flexibility and increased access people want. When you need a fast appointment, you can call in at the NHS Walk-In Centre, where you can expect to be offered a GP appointment within two working days – or an appointment with a practice nurse the same day. If you prefer, you can book an appointment more than two days in advance.’

The walk-in centres in Coventry and Warwickshire are part of a scheme to introduce 152 GP-led walk-in centres across the UK, which will provide 900 extra GPs, nurses and healthcare assistants to create an additional 2.5 million GP appointments each year.

A recent MORI poll showed that, in the West Midlands, 33 per cent of patients would prefer an evening appointment to see their doctor. It is hoped the scheme will also help companies save time and money, with less time off being taken by employees who need to see a GP.

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