How to book GP appointments on evenings and weekends in Sefton

A range of GP appointments are available on weekday evenings and weekends for all residents registered with a GP practice in Sefton.

The ‘enhanced access’ service provides patients with access to pre-bookable appointments outside of normal practice hours to ensure that people can get the right care when convenient for them. A range of services are available for residents including routine appointments, smear tests, screenings and more.

Patients can pre-book appointments with the enhanced access service through their own GP practice either by calling, using an online form or visiting their usual practice during normal opening hours.

The services are delivered by different providers in south Sefton and Southport and Formby, meaning there is some variation in the opening hours and services in each area.

Services available in south Sefton

The GP Extra service is provided by South Sefton Primary Healthcare in partnership with South Sefton Primary Care Network. The following services are available at Litherland Town Hall, Monday to Friday, 5pm–8pm and Saturday, 9am–5pm.

• General practice routine appointments
• Cervical screening
• Chronic diseases annual reviews (diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems)
• Pill and HRT reviews
• Physiotherapy
• Blood tests
• Blood pressure checks

Patients may be called during weekdays by an advanced nurse practitioner to see if their need can be dealt with over the phone, or if they can be directed to a more appropriate service.

Dr Gozzelino, clinical lead at South Sefton Primary Healthcare said: “We want to be as accessible as we can for our residents. We know that general practice is still seeing high numbers of patients seeking care, and we acknowledge our residents’ busy lifestyles, so we’re pleased to be able to offer these appointments to fit around people’s lives.

“Our service is staffed by a skilled, multi-disciplinary team specialised in different areas, meaning we’re able to offer a broad range of appointments to suit a variety of needs.”

 

WATCH: Dr Gozzelino talks about the GP Extra service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0XRP4tlCv8

Services available in Southport and Formby

The 7 Day GP Service is provided by Southport and Formby Health in partnership with Southport and Formby Primary Care Network.

The following services are available at The Family Surgery, 107 Liverpool Road, Birkdale, Southport, PR8 4DB, Monday–Friday 5pm-9pm, Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 9am-1pm:

• General practice routine appointments
• Cervical screening
• Ear syringing
• Health checks
• Pill checks
• Physiotherapy – assessment and advice
• Blood tests
• Blood pressure checks
• Foot checks
• Electrocardiography
• Mental health support

Dr Abdul Zubairu, medical director at Southport and Formby Health said: “The service has gone from strength to strength over the last four years, giving patients additional access to GP services at a time that may be more convenient for them and alleviating some of the pressures on local practices by providing additional capacity.”

Anthony Shonkry, a Southport resident and patient at the 7 Day GP service in Southport and Formby, said: “I phoned my GP and they booked me an appointment with the service on a Saturday morning. I spoke to a nurse practitioner who helped me with all my needs over the phone, but I know they have the availability to see me in person if they need further follow up.

“It was a really useful service and I’d definitely recommend it for anyone who works long hours like myself during the week, or university, or can’t get appointments during the day. They’re really quick to offer appointments on the evenings and weekends, so it suits most people.”

WATCH: Dr Stevens talks about the 7 Day GP Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2grt5liKT9Y

For more information about the 7 Day GP Service, please visit: https://www.southportandformbyhealth.com/our-services/7-day-gp-service/

To book an appointment with the enhanced access services across Sefton, patients should contact their usual GP practice during their normal opening hours.

Outside of office hours or at weekends, anyone who needs to book an urgent appointment should continue to get in touch using the NHS 111 service.