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Attempt to reduce pressure on A & E launched

The NHS in Devon says it's too early to assess the effect on A & E of extra weekend GP appointments in and around Exeter.

All 16 general practices in the Exeter area have joined forces to offer weekend appointments on a rota basis, until the end of April.

Patients should phone their usual surgery and ask to see a GP between 8am and 6pm on Saturdays or Sundays - and they'll be told which surgery to attend.

The aim is to reduce the severe pressure on hospital casualty departments, which have recently been failing to meet the targets for treating most patients within four hours.

The NHS says it'll be reviewing data over the coming weeks - however it won't be easy to say whether falling numbers at A&E are because of the initiative, or other factors.

 

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