RESIDENTS registered with a GP can still take advantage of extra appointments up to the middle of next month.

NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has worked with local GPs to create an extra 4,000 appointments.

The appointments are for patients who have an illness that will not go away and are unable to see their GP during normal opening hours.

Dr Andrew Phillips, joint medical director at the CCG said: “People have told us they need more GP appointments and our collaboration with member practices means that we are able to deliver this as part of our winter plans that also include providing online GP advice for common illnesses and ailments.

“Individual GP practices are offering extra appointments and patients are asked to check with their own GP surgery for the times these will be available.”

The CCG’s online GP advice for common illnesses and ailments is available at www.valeofyork.nhs.uk/winter