GP practices across Lanarkshire are set to offer extra appointments over the winter.
Many GP practices in the area will extend their opening hours to improve access to urgent care over the winter period and ease pressure on other NHS services.
Additional hours will be available on Friday, December 26, Friday, January 2 and on several Saturdays from December 27 through to January 31.
The extended hours are part of NHS Lanarkshire’s winter planning and aim to ensure patients can access timely care during periods of high demand, especially around holidays and weekends.
Mark Russell, medical director, South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Winter places significant pressure on health and care services, particularly around public holidays.
“Providing additional GP hours helps ensure patients can continue to access urgent care from primary care teams during these busy periods.
“These additional hours support people to be seen and treated closer to home, while helping to reduce pressure on out-of-hours services and emergency departments.
“We would encourage patients to plan ahead, use GP services appropriately and follow advice on how to access care during the winter months.”
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The expanded GP services will focus on urgent and reactive care needs that cannot wait until regular services resume.
Appointments may be offered in person, by telephone or through video consultations, depending on clinical need.
By increasing GP capacity during peak times, NHS Lanarkshire aims to direct patients to the most appropriate care, reduce avoidable hospital visits and ease the burden on emergency departments and out-of-hours services.
The winter season typically brings higher demand for NHS care due to seasonal illnesses.
Additional GP hours are intended to ensure patients with urgent needs can be safely assessed in the community.
Patients are also encouraged to make use of community pharmacies and other local services to help keep care accessible for those who need it most.
Details of the winter GP access arrangements are available on the NHS Lanarkshire website.
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