LONGER opening hours are being introduced at GP practices in the Hambleton and Richmondshire districts.

The scheme is being introduced by Heartbeat Alliance, a newly formed group of local GPs working together to make improvements to local health services.

The longer opening hours are part of a pilot scheme designed to improve access to primary care services and GP practices in the area are offering extra appointments on different evenings of the week.

Weekend appointments will also be available and provided from the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton or Harewood Medical Centre in Catterick Garrison from 9am to 1pm.

Appointments will be available to registered patients by pre-booking them through their own surgery in the usual way.

However, depending on the day of the appointment, it may be provided at one of the other participating GP practices, not necessarily the patient’s own.

GP Duncan Rogers, chair of the Heartbeat Alliance, said: “Having difficulty accessing GP appointments is an issue that is regularly flagged nationally, so it’s really positive that we have the opportunity to do something about it in our local area.”