According to news from the Isle of Wight Primary Care Trust (PCT) getting an appointment with your GP at a time to suit you should now be far easier than ever.
Apparently a whopping 88% of GP practices on the Wight have extended their opening hours, making life easier for patients who find it difficult to get time off work to visit the GP.
Caroline Morris, the Island’s Senior Commissioning Manager for Primary Care said,
“Our GP services receive very high satisfaction ratings from the public, however we know that people value being able to see their GP at a time that is convenient for them.
“We have been working with local GP surgeries to stay open for longer, giving people the opportunity to see a doctor early in the morning, during the evening, or at weekends. The extra appointment slots will enable patients who have found it difficult to visit their doctor during normal working hours to see their GP.
“We are really pleased that Island GPs are working with us to continue to improve access to primary care services for Island patients.”
According to the PCT, you as patients, should be able to see your GP within two working days and all surgeries should allow patients to book appointments more than two days in advance.
If you’re in need to GP services out of normal surgery times, you can call the Island Healthline on 0845 6031 007 or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for 24 hour, confidential health advice and information.
For further information about local GP surgeries and the services they offer, contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk
Image: Eye 2 Eye
