Dudley's surgeries opening hours are extended

More than three quarters of GP practices in parts of the Black Country are now offering evening and weekend appointments for patients.

In Dudley alone, 42 out of 54 GP practices now offer extended opening hours, according to borough health chiefs. The increase is part of a long-running attempt to make doctors more accessible.

As a result doctors surgeries across Dudley and other parts of the Black Country are now opening into the evenings, weekends and even early mornings in an attempt to help those who can't get to a surgery during working hours.

Chief executive of NHS Dudley Sarah Dugan said: "In the Dudley borough 78 per cent of GP practices offer extended opening hours, ranging from early morning sessions, evening sessions and appointments being available at weekends.

"In addition, local people can get appointments at the Dudley Borough Walk-in centre based at Holly Hall from 8am-8pm,7 days per week. This service has proved a great success with more than 22,000 people benefitting from the facility during 2009/10.

"We are continually working with local practices to ensure appointment times and availability meet the needs of the communities they serve."

Most practices in Dudley are open between 8am and 6.30pm. The out-of-hours period runs from 6.30pm until 8am.

Among the GP practices opening longer is Woodsetton Medical Centre where patients can see a doctor between 6.30pm and 8pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

St James's Medical Practice in Malthouse Drive, Dudley, opens between 7.35am and 8am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays as well as between 6.30pm and 8pm on Mondays.

Wordsley Green Health Centre in Stourbridge also opens between 6.30pm and 8pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays as well as between 7am and 8am on a Tuesday and Friday.

In Wolverhampton 50 practices offer extended hours.