Patients registered at GP practices in a new South Lincolnshire alliance could in future be able to see a doctor at weekends.
It might not be at their own practice but at one of the surgeries in the link-up, which includes Spalding, Holbeach, Crowland, Long Sutton, Gosberton and Moulton.
The move is being considered as part of “a more collaborative approach” to weekend working.
Another expected benefit is patients’ ability to access a wider range of services locally or even in their own home.
Organisers of the alliance say patients will remain registered at their own practice with their own GP and will see no change to their day-to-day care.
Dr Majid Akram, clinical director of the alliance, said: “This local alliance of practices will ensure that the needs of patients are at the heart of everything we do.
“It is important that we continue to cater for the needs of an ever-changing population and we are able to adapt services in line with the needs of patients and their carers.
“Linking practices together will enable us to begin the process of developing cutting edge and evidence-based care closer to the patients’ home. The size and diversity of this alliance shows our commitment to work with everyone who has a role in the delivery of health services in this community.”
Caroline Hall, acting accountable officer for South Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “GPs providing services through alliances such as this are consistent with the NHS’s Five Year Forward View. We welcome any initiative that will ultimately result in better outcomes for the patients of the south of Lincolnshire.”
Alliance members include: The Abbeyview Surgery, Crowland (7,217 patients); Gosberton Medical Centre (6,439); Littlebury Medical Centre, Holbeach (6,775); Long Sutton Medical Group (15,599); Moulton Medical Centre (5,571); Spalding – Beechfield Medical Centre (16,607); Munro Medical Centre (19,786); Pennygate Surgery (3,604).
