Public: Large support for more opening hours

The majority of the public supports extended opening hours for GP surgeries, according to a poll by inthenews.co.uk.

When asked if evening appointments should be available for family doctors, 96 per cent of respondents agreed while just four per cent were against.

The same numbers supported and opposed appointments at weekends.

And 83 per cent of those polled said their GP surgery is not open as often as they would like.

The findings follow plans by the government to increase access to GPs. Under proposals of the Next Stage Review the government announced that GP surgeries which provide the best quality care and greatest access will be rewarded with greater funding.

Larger centres that provide a greater range of services drew mixed support, with 46 per cent in favour and 54 per cent against.