With Christmas around the corner residents are being reminded that they can book non urgent evening and weekend appointments with a GP, advance nurse practitioner or health care assistant with the 7 day GP service.

NHS Southport and Formby CCG is reminding residents that the GP extended access scheme operates seven days a week, 365 days a year, including bank holidays, this includes Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December 2019), Boxing Day (Thursday 26 December 2019) and New Years’ Day (Wednesday 1 January 2020).

This service is offered to patients from all GP practices across Southport and Formby at 107 Liverpool Road. You can book an evening or weekend appointment up to seven days in advance by simply calling your GP practice during their open hours, or if they are closed you can call 111.

Southport resident, Mark Brimble, explained how he benefited from the service being in full time employment: “On a Saturday morning I was feeling unwell and when I called 111 as my practice was closed, they booked me in with the 7 day GP service for that morning.

“Although it wasn’t at my usual practice it was really local and didn’t take me long to get there. I saw a local GP who was really helpful with my illness and I was so grateful to have seen someone that day and not have to wait and take time off work. I’d recommend the service to anyone, especially those who work full time. It was quick and easy to book and just as good as going to my own practice for an appointment.”

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “We know from listening to our local residents that they sometimes find it difficult to book GP appointments, particularly at times to suit their busy lives..  Our 7 day GP service was introduced to reflect the needs of patients in today’s society, by not only increasing the availability of GP appointments, but also making these appointments available later in the evening and at the weekend.

“Visiting a GP during typical working hours isn’t always possible for some people, due to work or other commitments, so the service allows patients to visit a GP up to 8pm on weekday evenings and from 9am – 12pm on Saturday and Sunday. Weekend times can vary during the year, so please check with your practice.”

More information is available here or via your own GP practice.