Lanarkshire GP practices are set to expand their opening hours this January.

Many practices will open extra hours on Saturdays throughout the month, to extend the times patients can receive care.

Dr Mark Russell, medical director, said: "These extended GP opening hours will help ensure that patients in need of urgent care can access their GP quickly during January.

"Those GPs who have agreed to extend their opening hours will be able to support colleagues during this extremely challenging period for which we are extremely grateful.

"This will help ensure that people receive the right care in the right place as quickly as possible, which will help us manage pressure across the whole healthcare system at this current time.

"I would like to thank the people of Lanarkshire for their continued understanding and reassure them that we’re here to look after everyone in lots of ways this winter."

Glasgow Times:

Locals are being told to check with their GP practice, to see if it has specific arrangements for extended hours on a Saturday.

Aside from GP practices, healthcare can be accessed by way of opticians, some of whom open on a Saturday, and pharmacies, who provide a range of expert advice and information on your health without having to wait or make an appointment. 

Opening times for pharmacies across Lanarkshire can be searched by postcode, on the NHS inform website HERE

Christine Gilmour, director of pharmacy at NHS Lanarkshire, said: "Dropping into your local pharmacy means you can get help and advice on a range of health conditions.

"Help with medicines is also available and with the NHS Pharmacy First scheme you may be eligible to receive over-the-counter medicines free of charge when you need them. 

"Pharmacies also dispense prescriptions and most supply emergency contraception."

If anyone requires care and their GP surgery isn’t available, they should check their symptoms on NHS Inform HERE or call NHS 24 on 111