GP SURGERIES in Petersfield and Liss have launched an out-of-hours service to cater for the area's growing commuter community.
In response to government demands to make doctors more accessible to workers whose jobs make it difficult for them to attend normal opening hours, four surgeries have arranged appointment times before 8.30am or after 6.30pm.
The new times are avai
lable by appointment only for non-emergencies and will not necessarily have the back-up of the full surgery team.
Beryl Ely, practice manager of the Grange Surgery, Petersfield, said: "It is purely for people whose work prevents them from getting to see a doctor during the day.
"It is not a full surgery service but if people want to come and see a doctor the facility is now there for them to do that."
The government has asked surgeries to make half-an-hour per 1,000 patients available outside normal clinic hours.
The new times began yesterday (Tuesday) and must be pre-booked. Patients seeking urgent help at these times will still be directed to contact the Thamesdoc out of hours service on 0208 390 9990. The extra hours, which have been approved by the Primary Care Trust, are available as follows:
l Swan Surgery, Petersfield: Monday evenings, 6.30-8pm; Tuesday and Friday mornings, 7-8.30am; and Saturday mornings, 8-11am.
l Grange Surgery, Petersfield: Monday evenings, 6.30-7.30pm; Friday mornings, 7.30-8.30am; and Saturday mornings, 9-10am.
l Riverside Kelsey Surgery, Liss: Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6.30-8pm
l Hillbrow (Liss) and Newton (Liphook) Surgery: Monday and Wednesday evenings, 6.30-7.30pm; Friday mornings, 7-8am, and first Saturday morning each month, 8.45-10.45am (some clinics will be held alternate weeks at each site)
Patients should contact their own surgery if they wish to book an appointment.
The full article contains 317 words and appears in PP-Post Edition newspaper.
