Improved evening and weekend same-day NHS appointments for patients in Market Harborough

The NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board say that from April 1 patients will be able to benefit from improved same-day GP appointments, which will be available in the evenings, during weekends and on bank holidays.

The care board say the increase in appointments is designed to make it easier for individuals to get help for ‘urgent but non-life threatening health problems.’

The changes are set to increase the overall number of appointments available as well as offering longer consultation times.

They will take place at local GP practices and health centres across the county, and at consistent opening times.

Same-day appointments will be available from 6.30pm to 8.30pm Mondays to Fridays, between 9am and 5pm on Saturdays and from 10am to 2pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

As well as St Luke’s Treatment Centre on Leicester Road in Market Harborough, same-day appointments will also be available in Mountsorrel, Hinckley, Melton Mowbray, Leicester Forest East and Oadby.

Weekend appointments only will be available at Feilding Palmer Hospital in Lutterworth, while appointments will alternate each week between Ashby and Coalville.

The Oadby appointments are appointment-only slots delivered at the Urgent Treatment Centre.

They replace those previously provided at urgent care centres in Lutterworth and Market Harborough, as well as Coalville, Enderby, Hinckley and Melton, which closed on March 31.

Walk-in services will remain available at the minor injury units at Market Harborough and Melton, as well as at urgent treatment centres in Loughborough, Oadby and Merlyn Vaz.

Chief medical officer for the NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board Dr Nil Sanganee said: “These new appointments mean people across Leicestershire can get urgent help in the evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays, at more locations and at consistent times.

“By going through your GP practice or NHS 111, you will be directed to the service that best meets your needs, ensuring you get the right care first time and avoiding unnecessary waits at walk‑in sites that may not be suitable for your needs.

“It’s important that people share their views of the new appointments to help us improve them further.”

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