DoH: More surgeries offer extended opening times

More GP surgeries now offer extended opening hours, according to statistics released by the Department of Health (DoH).

Figures by the government found more than 69 per cent of the 8,262 GP practices across England are offering additional times – meeting the 50 per cent target set.

The department went on to note the objective was met three months before the end of December deadline, in early September.

It added patients can be seen early in the morning, in the evening or at the weekend.

Commenting on the findings, health minister Ben Bradshaw said he was “pleased” to see the amount of surgeries offering extended hours.

“Flexible and convenient opening hours provide millions more appointments and make it much easier for patients to see a GP,” he added.

Mr Bradshaw went on to note the meeting of the target earlier than set was due to “hard work of local NHS organisations and GP practices”.

Earlier this month, the DoH announced more than five million patients would be asked for their opinions on how to improve family doctor services.

It is the third successive year the study has been undertaken, with results set to be used to improve services for patients.