Tuesday, 14 October 2008

MP praises landmark day for NHS

• 50% of GP surgeries across UK now offering extended opening hours
• Medway leading the way with over 80% of surgeries open later
• MP says new walk-in centre in Gillingham will further improve patient choice

Paul Clark MP (Gillingham and Rainham) today praised the hard work of NHS staff and GPs across Medway for making Medway one of the best areas for patient choice in the UK.

Over 80% of Medway’s GPs now offer extended opening hours, placing it in the top 25 areas in the country. This compares with a national average of 50%, still a remarkable achievement.

Paul Clark said today:

“GPs and NHS staff don’t need to be reminded that they work hard, but it’s sometimes necessary to shout about some of the really fantastic work that goes on. We are well on the way to creating a fairer NHS, one in which everyone can see a doctor when they need to and when they want to.

The new GP walk-in centre that’s due to be built in Canterbury Street will make things even better. Hopefully the days of having to skip work or rearrange childcare just to get a chance to see a GP will soon be a distant memory”