EVESHAM and Pershore patients are being reminded that nearly 1,000 extra appointments are now available to access primary care services in the evenings and at weekends.
The three Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Groups (NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove, NHS South Worcestershire and NHS Wyre Forest) have introduced the national Improved Access scheme to provide more choice, greater convenience and increased access to GP and nurse appointments outside of normal working hours.
Appointments are available between 6.30-8pm on week days and at specific times at the weekend. These appointments are pre-bookable by contacting your surgery during their opening 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.
“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.”
GP surgeries are working together to provide Improved Access appointments. This means that your appointment may be with a different GP, nurse or based in a different location or practice than you are used to, and some of these appointments are telephone only.
These appointments are for routine general practice issues. If you require urgent treatment out of normal opening hours and it’s not an emergency, call NHS 111 who can talk you through your healthcare options, including access to Out of Hours GP appointments.
You can find out more about Improved Access appointments at www.worcestershire.nhs.uk/winter/extended-access
