EVENING and weekend doctor appointments can now be booked by patients in Aireborough, Horsforth and parts of Wharfedale.

NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) expects the new arrangements, for patients across Leeds to be seen by a GP or other healthcare professional outside usual hours, to boost access to primary care.

The CCG has commissioned the Leeds GP Confederation to work with local GP practices to offer the extra appointments which are for routine - not urgent - issues. GP Dr Gordon Sinclair, Clinical Chair for NHS Leeds CCG, said: “This means people in Leeds can benefit from greater flexibility when looking to see a healthcare professional within a GP practice.

“Our skilled GP practice staff have been trained to ensure that when they book an appointment for you it will be with the most appropriate person that can help – this is not always your GP.”

Appointments are available on weekday evenings until 8pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays and can be booked by contacting your GP practice or visiting www.nhs.uk/gpaccess.