Brighton and Hove GPs to offer evening and weekend appointments

Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said the new extended hours service will see participating surgeries offer GP and nurse appointments from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. Patients will be able to access the new service by calling their own practice to book an appointment.

It added that this year, for the first time, urgent appointments are available at local GPs from 8am to 8pm, from December 22 to January 7 (excluding Christmas Day).

The CCG said appointments at evenings and weekends will not only improve access to GP services, but will also help manage pressures on urgent and emergency care services especially over the busy winter period.

Dr David Supple, Brighton GP and chairman of NHS Brighton and Hove CCG, said: “Our aim is to make GP services more accessible, especially for parents, carers and people of working age. We know it’s not always easy to find time to squeeze in an appointment with your GP to fit in with a busy work and family life."

He said extended hours appointmnets 'can make it easier for local people to see a GP at a time that suits them'.

He added: "This year GP appointments are also being made available over the Christmas holidays.”