See a GP at weekends or evenings

Date: 22 November 2018

Workshops in Oxfordshire

This winter GP access hubs in Oxfordshire can offer people a routine appointment to see a doctor or practice nurse at the weekend or in the evening.

Patients can book an appointment at a time to suit them by contacting their own surgery. The surgery staff will then advise patients on available extended hours appointment times and the location of the hub. This may not be at the patient’s own practice but will be nearby. GP access hubs are not a ‘walk in’ service or an out of hours service. 

Tehmeena Ajmal, the county’s winter director, said: “GP access hubs offer patients appointments at more convenient times, if they work late or have other commitments. It means patients can see a GP, or other appropriate medical professional, for advice and treatment promptly at a time that suits them even though it may not be at their own surgery. It could prevent a condition from getting worse this winter and could free up practice time for GPs to see more vulnerable patients, especially older people, reducing the risk of them being admitted  to A&E.”

Tehmeena added: “As we enter the busy winter period the scheme will help to relieve some of the pressure that practices are experiencing during usual opening hours, helping GPs to meet the increasing demand for appointments.

“If people start to feel unwell they can self-care at home by resting and drinking plenty of fluids. Your local pharmacist can also offer professional advice on sore throats, coughs and colds and recommend the most suitable over the counter medicines to store at home to keep well over winter.

“I would like to encourage everyone to have a personal winter plan ready for when the weather gets worse and the season for flu, coughs and colds kicks in. It’s about being prepared and tackling illnesses at the earliest opportunity.”

End

Notes
•         Access hubs are provided by the four GP Federations in Oxfordshire: 
o Abingdon Federation (covering the remainder of the South West locality).
o OxFed covering Oxford City.
o Principal Medical Limited (PML) which covers the North (NOxMed), North East (OneMed), West (WestMed) and part of the South West (ValeMed) localities in the county.
o SEOX (South East Oxfordshire Federation).

•         More information about personal winter plans is available on the Oxfordshire CCG website see here

• Age UK have produced a ‘Staying well this winter’ leaflet full of useful advice see here

  • Summary:

    Your GP receptionist can book an evening or weekend appointment.

  • Transformation:
  • Date:
    22 November 2018