THURROCK Clinical Commissioning Group is providing 7 day a week out of hours evening and weekend doctor’s appointments, for residents finding it hard to get to the doctors during the day.

The out of hours provision is funded through the Primary Care Transformation Fund and patients can book appointments in their local Hubs through their usual GP surgery.

Hub times are from 6.30pm – 8.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 12pm on Saturdays and Sundays. They are located in Grays, South Ockendon, Tilbury and Corringham.

Steve McKenna, practice manager at Neera Medical Centre, who coordinates the rota of GPs and Practice Nurses said: “Feedback from patients who have used the service has been really positive. Being able to offer care out of the usual nine to five day will help to reduce some of the strain on our A&E services during this winter period.”

Dr Manjeet Sharma, one of the GPs who offers out of hours care at the hubs said: “What the hubs do really well is offer increased access to traditional general practice for all patients. The working population can take advantage of screening, immunisations and health checks that otherwise may have been difficult to access.”

Dr Anil Kallil who also provides some of the out of hours care said: “I think the additional clinics have certainly helped the patients during this winter period with routine appointments. We are very fortunate to have doctors, nurses and receptionists to support this programme.”

People wishing to use the service should book the appointment through their GP in the usual way. After March 31, the hubs will continue to offer appointments in the mornings on Saturdays and Sundays as well as evenings on Wednesdays.

The weekly dates and times are published online: http://www.thurrockccg.nhs.uk/your-health/primary-care/thurrock-health-hubs