| Better access to doctors thanks to Labour |
Tags: Health
| Tuesday, 14 April 2009 16:35 |
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The majority of Doctor’s surgeries in Tooting are now open even longer, making it even easier for residents to see their doctor in the evening or at weekends. In Wandsworth, 39 of the 47 GP surgeries are now open for at least one three-hour evening or weekend session every week. Last April, just 12% of GP practices across the country offered extended opening hours. Thanks to a recent deal made with the government, that figure has now reached 72.5%. In Wandsworth, the result is considerably higher than the overall national figure, at 83%. Sadiq said, “It is fantastic that GPs have made this decision to make it easier for patients to see a doctor. This will be welcomed by local residents. “We have some excellent GPs in Tooting, and it is good to see them once again showing their commitment to the needs of local residents by extending their hours. “Healthcare should not be a privilege, where time off work is required to benefit form it, but a basic right, and this change will make a real difference to hard-working people who used to find it so difficult to see their doctors.” Tooting GP, Doctor Tom Coffey, said, “We are really pleased that investment from the government has allowed over two thirds of GPs in Wandsworth to increase their opening hours.” “Thanks to this investment we can now offer an even better service to patients.” Ben Bradshaw MP, Minister for Health, who recently visited Tooting, said: “In a modern NHS, ensuring busy patients have access to a GP at a convenient time is a top priority. Our deal with GPs to open for longer in the evenings and at weekends is now showing real results up and down the country. “Unfortunately the Tories would put these improvements in your NHS services under threat – they’ve promised to scrap this deal and let GPs go back to setting their own opening hours, so that access to your doctor could be cut back.” |
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