Published Wednesday 7 January 2015 at 10:20
Patients in Blackburn with Darwen will be able to visit their GP over the weekend of Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th January.
A number of GP practices in the area have signed up to provide weekend opening hours following the New Year bank holiday for patients who need an urgent appointment over the weekend.
The scheme will run this weekend with GP practices offering urgent appointments for patients who are registered with their practice and who contact the surgery either by telephone or visiting the surgery.
Dr Chris Clayton, Clinical Chief Officer at Blackburn with Darwen CCG, said:
“As a local GP, I know people will value being able to see their doctor for urgent health matters on the weekends.
“Being able to book an appointment and visit their practice will not only offer a local, convenient service but also better continuity of care as the practice will have access to patients’ records and a wealth of information about any ongoing health needs they might have.
“We are hopeful this service will prove useful to a number of people as well as also easing unnecessary pressure on other services like the accident and emergency department.”
“Patients should only use A&E for emergencies which include severe injury and illness. By offering this additional service we can help ensure patients get the care they need as quickly and efficiently as possible and in many cases save them from unnecessary hospital trips during these particular weekends.”
Find out more about the practices taking part in the scheme and their opening hours.
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