As you may have heard, nationally GPs are being asked to offer their patients appointments outside of normal hours. The aim of the GP Improved Access Service is to make it easier for people to get an appointment at a time that suits them. This includes early morning, evening and weekend appointments.

In North Devon, a collaboration of local GPs have come together to provide this service for North Devon patients.

This new scheme is an extension of the usual GP practice services that patients across North Devon will be used to – it is not a walk-in or urgent service.  Patients will still need to contact their practices directly to make an appointment.

When using the Improved Access Service, patients might not be able to see their usual GP or Practice Nurse and may have to attend a different GP surgery. If that is the case, the clinician they see will be from another GP practice in North Devon.

The practices involved in delivering this service across North Devon are:

• Bideford Medical Centre, Bideford.
• Wooda Surgery, Bideford.
• Northam Surgery, Northam.
• Brannam Medical Centre, Barnstaple.
• Castle Gardens Surgery, Torrington.
• Torrington Health Centre, Torrington.
• Black Torrington Surgery, Black Torrington.
• Hartland Surgery, Hartland.

Patients will be able to book face to face or telephone appointments at one or more of these surgeries to see or speak to either a GP or Practice Nurse or other health professional in the evenings or at weekends from:

08.00 to 08.30 - Monday to Friday

18.00 to 20.00 – Monday to Friday

09.00 to 12.30 - Saturday

09.00 to 12.00 - Sunday

If you are seeing a Doctor or Nurse in a surgery that is not your usual surgery, we will ask your consent for the Doctor or nurse to see your clinical records. Your records will not be accessed without your permission. This will enable your usual Doctor to see what investigations and treatments you have had.

To arrange an early morning, evening or weekend appointment, speak to the practice receptionist or member of the practice team or call the practice on 01409 231628.

Please continue to contact your surgery in the usual way during normal hours.

Community Pharmacists based in Barnstaple, Bideford and Ilfracombe will also be offering additional appointments for North Devon patients.