GPs extend cover over festive period

Nearly half of all Lanarkshire GP surgeries will open extra hours on the two festive Mondays – the only scheme of its kind in Scotland.
GPs  surgeries are busy at Xmas.GPs  surgeries are busy at Xmas.
GPs surgeries are busy at Xmas.

Patients registered with these practices who need urgent access to see a GP, will be able to make an appointment for urgent care on December 28 and January 4.

This is the third time that Lanarkshire GPs have opened extra hours during the festive period.

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Dr Chris Mackintosh, medical director, South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Our Out of Hours Service, which operates when GP practices are closed, is always extremely busy on the days following Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The additional GP opening hours will help ensure that patients in need of urgent care are seen conveniently and quickly.

“Patients should check with their own GP surgery for opening times on these days. Anyone registered with a participating practice who needs urgent access to see a GP will be able to make an appointment during the times it is open.

“Other patients who require an urgent appointment and cannot wait until their GP practice is open should call NHS 24 on 111.”

The Monday GP opening is part of NHS Lanarkshire’s comprehensive plan to cope with winter – the health service’s busiest time of year.

Knowing when your GP surgery is open is one of a number of ways you can be healthwise this winter.

For more information go to www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk/HealthyLiving/Winter .