Extended Opening Hours

Over the weekend all appointments must be booked via NHS 111, even if you are standing at the reception desk. On one occasion a receptionist did book such an appointment for a patient and the surgery was threatened with having the whole service cancelled. 

From 18.30 on Friday the phone lines are transferred to 111 for the emergency GP service. 

Who can access the service? 

Patients registered with a City and Hackney GP practice can book an appointment at the service through their GP practice. These appointments are not suitable for all types of problems. (NB This is not a walk-in service) 

What are the opening times? 

The opening hours are 4pm - 8pm weekdays and 8am - 8pm weekends and Bank Holidays. 

How do I book an appointment? 

For now you book an appointment by contacting your own GP practice however, direct booking is in the pipeline. 

What can I expect at a consultation with a GP? 

One of the added benefits of the primary care extended access service is that the GP will have access to view your medical record during your visit to the primary care access centre. Having access to view your medical record means that the clinician will have a greater understanding of your medical history and health needs and can then choose the treatment that is right for you. The clinician will ask you for your consent before accessing your medical record. 

Using this service will not affect your registration at your usual GP practice. 

Who will have access to my medical record? 

Once you have consented, only authorised staff within the service will have access to view your medical record. Clinicians can only review your medical record if you have given your expressed consent. If you do not consent then the GP will not be able to continue the consultation. Your medical information will be treated with the strictest of confidentiality.  All City and Hackney GP practices have agreed to sign up to a data sharing agreement which sets out what information will be shared, how and when. 

What if I don’t want my medical records to be shared? 

If you don’t want your medical records to be viewed then you will need to tell the receptionist or GP at your own practice when they are booking the appointment. They will then offer you an appointment at your own GP practice. 

Your views and feedback about the primary care extended access service. 

At the end of the consultation with the GP you will be asked to complete a patient experience survey. Your views and feedback are important and will help us to make improvements. 

Tests and referrals 

The GP’s in these centres will send any requests for tests and referrals back to your own GP practice to action – in a small number of cases your own GP practice might recommend a different management plan to the extended access GP.