You’re wrong, doctor! Patients DO want to see GPs at weekends

PATIENTS do want weekend appointments – contrary to doctors’ claims that no- one would show up.

Research has found that demand goes through the roof once the public become aware their GP surgery is open for longer hours.

The analysis by the think-tank Reform sharply contradicts claims by family doctors that weekend appointments are unpopular and pointless. Ministers are championing ‘ extended hours’ appointments under a flagship pilot scheme and surgeries in some areas are being offered extra money. But several have already abandoned the scheme – including practices in Yorkshire and Cornwall – claiming that too few patients were taking up the slots.

But the research shows that the demand actually picks up at a quick rate after a few months.

A report by the think-tank today also claims that two thirds of patients taking up surgery appointments do not need to see a GP. Many could be dealt with by a nurse, internet advice or even through text messages with a doctor. The think-tank concludes that the only way surgeries can cope with the soaring demand is to stay open for longer and offer services slightly differently.

Crucially, it also highlights research from a group of 24 GP surgeries in Herefordshire showing how demand for weekend appointments increased exponentially after a few months.

The practices are in a federation called Taurus Healthcare and since last year, three ‘hubs’ have stayed open longer in evenings and from 8am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday. Figures show that the number of slots filled increased from 40 per cent in the first month to 80 per cent after six months.

Surgeries across England are in crisis and struggling to cope with the demands of migration, the ageing population and an exodus of GPs taking early retirement.

Only last week a report in the Lancet warned that they were reaching ‘saturation level’.

Separate figures estimated that 4 million patients have to queue outside surgeries for a same- day appointment or face several weeks waiting for a pre-bookable slot.

The Government has promised to hire an extra 5,000 family doctors by 2020 – but experts say this is unrealistic.

The author of the Reform report, Alex Hitchcock, said: ‘Employing 5,000 more GPs is nothing more than a sticking plaster for an outof-date model.’ He added: ‘Bigger practices and new technology can deliver better access and stop millions of unnecessary A&E visits.’