GPs beat targets.

HEALTH practices are beating government targets for extended opening hours.

According to the latest figures 87% of GPs in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland are extending practice opening hours.

NHS North of Tyne, which combines Newcastle and North Tyneside PCTs and Northumberland Care Trust, is already exceeding the Department of Health target which states 50% of GP practices must operate extended opening hours for patients by the end of the year.

In Newcastle, 97% or 33 GP practices out of 34 have started longer opening hours. In North Tyneside, 75% or 21 practices out of 28 do so, and in Northumberland, 87.5% or 42 practices out of 48 do so.