PM welcomes extra GP opening hours

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GPs have accepted a set plan to work extra hours but 98% of those in a poll said the Government's method of negotiation was "not acceptable".

The British Medical Association (BMA) said there had been "an overwhelming loss of faith" among the profession in Government policy and its ability to improve the health service.

But Mr Brown said in a statement: "I welcome this commitment from GPs to extend opening into evenings and weekends and improve access to vital GP services for millions of patients.

"These improvements are critical if the NHS is to deliver more personal services and better focus on preventing ill health at an early stage.

"Our task is now to work with GPs to implement these reforms."

Asked if he was satisfied with the way the deal had been reached, the Prime Minister said: "Any negotiation is a difficult one: change is happening.

"But the important thing for me is the improvement in the service to patients.

"People want weekend opening; people want to be able to see their GP in the evenings.

"I am pleased the GPs have voted by 92% to offer that service."