Doctors’ surgeries could be set to open for longer as part of a plan to reform health services.

Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group has launched a consultation which includes a call for GPs’ surgeries to open seven days a week.

Chairman Dr Bryan Spencer, said: “Primary care services need to fit into the overall NHS strategy.

“The CCG does not commission GP services but we would include them in discussions about the way forward.”

The Government launched a £50million fund in October to help surgeries try out longer working hours and collaborative working.

Twenty pilot schemes across the country, but not in Essex, have already tried opening from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, and giving patients access to services by Skype or phone.