Department of Health, 1 October 2013
- The Prime Minister has announced the first wave of nine GP groups offering extended opening hours where GP services will be available from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
- The first wave will open during 2014/15, and include services such as:
- Access 8am-8pm, and on Saturday and Sunday
- Flexible access including email, Skype and phone consultations for those who might prefer it to face-to-face, when it is safe to do so
- Electronic prescriptions and online booking of appointments
- Easier, on-line registration and choice of practice
- Joining-up of urgent care and out-of-hours care to ensure rapid walk-in access to care
- Greater flexibility about how people access general practice, for instance with the option to visit a number of GP surgery sites in their area
- Better access to ‘telecare’ to help sick people stay comfortable at home, as well as to healthy living apps
