Patients in Hammersmith and Fulham are now able to access GP services seven days a week, thanks to a new service launched by NHS Hammersmith and Fulham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

The weekend opening service provides alternative to A&E for people who need access to care at the weekend. Patients can see a GP and it is hoped that this will help free up A&E departments for those with life threatening illnesses or injuries.

Five practices across the borough are offering the walk-in service on Saturdays and Sundays, and patients can see a GP without an appointment. They do not have to be registered with the practice, and using the service will not affect their registration with their own GP.

The practices that offer the service are:

• Brook Green Medical Centre, Bute Gardens, London, W6 7EG
• Cassidy Medical Centre, 651a Fulham Road, London, SW6 5PX
• Palace Surgery, 510 Fulham Palace Road, London, SW6 6JD
• Dr Jefferies and Partners, The Medical Centre, 292 Munster Road, London, SW6 6BQ
• Parkview Practice (Dr Canisius and Dr Hasan) Cranston Court, 56 Bloemfontein Road, London W12 7FG

The practices are open between 9am and 4pm and patients wanting to book an appointment should call 03000 333 666.

The service has been introduced as part of NHS Hammersmith and Fulham CCG’s Out of Hospital Strategy, which aims to bring care closer to home and into a local, more familiar environment for the benefit of the patients.

Dr Susan McGoldrick, vice-chair of Hammersmith and Fulham CCG said:

“Statistics show that many patients attend A&E when their GP practice is closed, even if they don’t have a life-threatening illness. These more minor illnesses can be treated by a pharmacist or GP.

“We are opening GP practices at weekends for all residents to use so they can see a GP on Saturday and Sunday by booking an appointment or simply going to the walk-in service offered by these practices.

“The clear message is that there are alternative services available so don’t go to an A&E unless you really need to.”