Patients benefit from improved access to GP services

Date published: 15 December 2008

Local people will be receiving information later this month about how GP services in Bury are improving offering more choice and convenience for patients.

A leaflet will be delivered within the Bury Journal to households who receive it, and to others on or around the 22nd December 2008. It informs readers about the introduction of brand new GP services, and highlights those GPs opening for longer hours, making access more convenient to fit in with today’s busy lifestyles. Bury has exceeded the December 2008 target for the number of GP surgeries in the area offering extended hours. Currently 19 (59%) of practices in Bury are offering extended hours, and in January this will increase to 22 (69%).

The leaflet also offers information for patients about choosing the hospital where they would like to be treated, and where to find out more about local health services available to them.

NHS Bury is working to give patients new GP services to improve choice and convenience, together with a wider range of services. As an organisation, NHS Bury have obligations to inform the local population. From Spring 2009 a new additional GP service will be available to local patients from Moorgate Primary Care Centre, offering a walk in facility for registered and non registered patients and offering a range of primary care services. The new service will be open seven days a week, from early in the morning until late in the evening.

In addition, a further new GP Practice will open from Spring 2009, located in the new Radcliffe Primary Care Centre, open for seven days a week and offering early and late appointments to patients who register with the practice.

Stephen Mills, Chief Executive for NHS Bury said;
“NHS Bury is committed to responding to the health needs of the local population, to give them more choice, convenience and improved access. We have been working with local GP Practices to offer a greater range of services on a more flexible basis, and establishing brand new services offering yet more choice where and when patients need them. This leaflet will provide crucial information for local people.”