PATIENTS registered with any GP in Bolton can now book evening and weekend doctors' appointments at a new primary care service.

The move is part of the NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group's plans to improve access to GP services.

This month the new service, designed to help people who find getting to daytime appointments difficult, began operating from the Winifred Kettle Centre on Washacre Lane, Westhoughton.

Patients registered with any Bolton GP can now book evening and weekend appointments between 6.30 pm and 9.30 pm on weekdays, and between 9 am and 1 pm on weekends.

Some appointments will be available same day, especially for children under 16 who require treatment after school hours.

However, unlike a walk-in service, patients can not just turn up and must make an appointment by contacting their regular GP.

The contract to improve access at evenings and weekends was awarded by the NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group.

Dr Wirin Bhatiani, chairman of NHS Bolton CCG, said: “Improving access for our residents to GP services is an important priority for the CCG.

"These additional services are vital for those residents who are unable to attend their GP surgery during usual working hours.

“This also supports our practices that are struggling with managing demand during the day.”

Dr George Ogden, Bolton GP and chairman of Bolton GP Federation, added: “We are delighted to bring this service to Westhoughton with the help of Bolton Council, bringing welcome additional GPs and nurses to care for local people alongside our existing practices.

“It means that people who work have more choice of when to see a GP.

"However, more importantly, people who work away from home during the week can now access their GP at the weekend.

“We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the council on this and other exciting developments in health care.”

The new service was also welcomed by the leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Linda Thomas.

She said: "Winifred Kettle has been operating as a thriving hub for a range of health, care and voluntary services and adding the out of hours service will be fantastic for all of our residents, particularly those living in the west of the borough."

“We are delighted to have worked with our partners on this for the benefit of the community.

"It will give people more flexibility to book appointments at a time that suits them.”