The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Sarah Fletcher, chief executive officer of Healthwatch Lincolnshire, said: “With the very publicised pressures on frontline NHS services, we are all very aware that access to a doctor whether at a GP surgery or out of hours is becoming a real challenge.
“Unfortunately, this increased pressure is being felt most acutely at our accident and emergency departments as many patients who are unable to get a doctor’s appointment for what can often be concerning but routine ailments will go to the nearest A&E.
“On behalf of patients in South Lincolnshire, we are disappointed that only two GP surgeries chose to open extended hours.
“Any increased opportunities for patients to access their doctor is important and we hope that by next winter all GP surgeries across South Lincolnshire will be able to work together to offer more extended hours to their patients.”
Crowland’s Abbeyview Surgery has offered Saturday morning appointments throughout February and Munro Medical Centre, in Spalding, has been offering appointments seven days a week since Christmas.
Dr Graham Wheatley, of Munro Medical Centre, said he was keen to extend seven-day opening into March and even up to Easter and was talking to the CCG about funding.
Rather than additional patients being seen a similar number of appointments were being spread over more days. Around 200 patients have been seen each weekend, Dr Wheatley said.
He added: “Seven day opening relieves pressure on all parts of the NHS and supports A&E departments. We want to continue into March or perhaps even to Easter.
“We have a really good staff team who have responded tremendously.”
