Primecare to run the UK's first '8 To 8' GP service
28th Feb 2008
Today an innovative GP service, believed to be the first of its type in the country, is being launched in Middlesborough..
The service will be available from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, and will be provided by Primecare and run from the PCT?s premises. Appointments will be booked through Primecare and referrals made from existing GP practices.
The service will also allow for self-referral (?walk-in?) patients. Patients are requested to book appointments, but patients who ?walk-in? will be seen as soon as there is a free appointment. The scheme offers all GP services, but is not a minor injury unit.
This service, although administered by Primecare, is in addition to, and separate from, the existing ?Out of Hours ? Urgent Care Service? also run by the Primecare team.
Colin McLeod, chief executive of Middlesbrough PCT and Redcar and Cleveland PCT, said: "Patients have told us that one of their main concerns is getting fast access to a GP. This is our response to this concern."