A GROUP of North-East GPs are staying open on Saturday mornings during the festive season in a bid to relieve hard-pressed accident and emergency departments.

With the NHS stretched to the limit because of the extra pressures of winter, GP practices belonging to NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Group have decided to put on additional Saturday clinics.

The GPs, who include many practices which belong to a not-for-profit social enterprise called South Durham Health, are also calling on people who live in the Easington and Sedgefield areas to make the family doctor their first port of call this Christmas if they begin to feel unwell.

DDES CCG is investing additional NHS funds to allow a number of GPs to offer Saturday morning opening hours over the winter.

Dr Stewart Findlay, chief clinical officer from DDES CCG, said the Saturday morning opening pilot which has been operating from November 2013 was being extended until the end of March 2015.

Dr Findlay said: "We are committed to increasing patient access to GP appointments outside current contracted hours with a view to improving patient satisfaction with opening hours whilst maintaining standards of access and availability during core practice hours.

"There is evidence to show that continuity of care from GPs reduces the likelihood of emergency admissions to hospital. The scheme has proven to be very popular and has been successful in alleviating pressure on our local emergency departments by providing a convenient alternative for patients."

Hugo Minney, company secretary of SDH, said: “Many people enjoy the fun of the festive season, but unfortunately people do still become unwell and accidents can happen, and so some of our patients may need medical attention over the Christmas and New Year period.

“We’re asking people to visit a local pharmacist for advice on minor ailments like coughs and colds, but to see their GP for more serious complaints, rather than visiting walk-in centres and A&E departments.

“While walk-in centres and A&E departments struggle to cope with the increased demand on services over the festive season, a GP knows their patient and medical history, and is able to treat the individual quickly and effectively. That’s why a number of our member practices are offering extended opening hours over the Christmas period including Saturday surgeries.”

GP surgeries in the Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield area will be open on Saturday, December 27 and Saturday, January 3.

For more information visit saturdaydoctor.co.uk or durhamdaleseasingtonsedgefield.nhs.uk