Patients in Walsall are now able to see a GP or nurse on Saturdays, as part of work undertaken by NHS Walsall Clinical Commissioning Group.

Appointments with a GP or nurse are available on Saturdays from 8am to 2pm, to anyone registered with a GP practice based in Walsall. These appointments are intended for patients with acute and same day illnesses and will be available until 10th June 2017 at Portland Medical Practice in Aldridge and The Keys Family Practice in Willenhall.

Patients do not need to be registered at those specific practices, but do need to be registered with a Walsall GP. The appointments are bookable on the day only, by attending either of the hubs or by telephoning either surgery.

In the six weeks since the Saturday service began, just over 250 patients have attended - an average of nearly 45 patients per week. This means that a potential 45 fewer patients attended A&E or one of the borough’s urgent care centres each weekend. Dr Anand Rischie, Chair of NHS Walsall CCG, said:

“We are currently looking at ways to make GP services more accessible to patients as well as looking at ways to relieve pressure on urgent care services.

“I would encourage patients with minor illnesses to make use of this additional weekend service and to make local friends, neighbours and family members aware of the service.”