GP Extended Hours and Out of Hours
Download (PDF 797.58 KB)Summary of report content
In November 2017, Healthwatch Cheshire West and Healthwatch Cheshire East responded to a frequently raised issue that local people found it difficult to obtain GP appointments and use services at a time that suits them. They therefore decided to undertake a survey to gain an idea of people’s experiences and awareness of GP Extended Hours and Out of Hours services.
The sample survey was completed over the winter period from November 2017 to February 2018. Survey questions explored whether people had used each service, whether they had heard of it and how, and what they thought of the service they received.
They received 98 survey responses and findings were split between Out of Hours Services and GP Extended Hours.
The report concludes that the experience of people in regard to Out of Hours and Extended Hours is largely positive, with people reporting efficiency and good access at being treated at times that fit around their working lives. However, people have also said during this research that they have not used the services, and in many cases were not aware of them, in particular with Extended Hours. This is the case across Cheshire but tends to be a stronger finding in Cheshire East than Cheshire West and Chester. All in all, there needs to be more promotion of these services in order to increase awareness and use, because there is a positive story to tell regarding the benefits of these services.