Link between extended GP surgery hours and fewer A&E visits, but at a cost

06 Sep 2016

Patients who had access to GP surgeries with longer opening times in evenings and at weekends visited A&E departments far fewer times than those who did not have similar access to primary care.

That's the findings of a Manchester report which could have implications for the Government’s desire to implement a seven-day NHS service. 

Funding given to GP surgeries to extend their hours may reduce demand on emergency hospital service especially at the weekend – but the cost of doing so may outweigh the benefits.

Research Fellow in Health Economics William Whittaker was the lead author of the report and notes caution for 7-day services if solely aimed at reducing emergency department visits.

“There’s a need for evidence that 7-day primary care has benefits to patients as on the basis of emergency department savings alone, extending primary care is unlikely to be cost-effective.

“Our study suggests that extending opening hours in primary care may be a useful addition to policies aiming to reduce pressures on hospital services, but at a significant cost."