News from Camden Labour

Most GP’s surgeries now open longer hours in Camden

Two thirds of GP surgeries in Camden are now offering patients extended opening hours, according to Department of Health statistics.

The figure exceeds the 50% expectation set when conducting the controversial changes to the GP contract in April last year.

The change, bitterly opposed by the Conservatives at the time, followed the first national GP Patient Surveys in 2007 and 2008 which indicated that there were around six and a half million patients who were unhappy with their GP practice’s opening hours.

These patients said they would find it easier to access services if they could make appointments at the weekend, in the evening or early in the morning.

Camden Labour’s spokesperson Theo Blackwell said:

“Locally there has been a steady increase in the number of practices offering more flexible early morning, evening and weekend opening, with 29 out of 41 now doing so. It’s great to see local services becoming more flexible and responsive to local people and working families.”

Other news from Camden Labour

• Camden's 'flipping' developers should shock local taxpayers - 1 March 2010
• Camden wins biggest boost to council housing - 14 September 2009
• Camden Belsize Park council flats 'flipped' by developers - 1 September 2009