Evening and weekend GP appointments at Andover War Memorial Hospital have officially been opened by North West Hampshire MP Kit Malthouse last week.

Patients across seven surgeries in Andover, Whitchurch and Stockbridge can now attend the service next to the Minor Injuries Unit, from 5-8pm on weekdays and 8am-12 noon at weekends.

Patients can book a routine appointment through their GP surgery.

Mr Malthouse said: “Andover is a growing town and this extra money is extremely welcome.

“It’s absolutely right that NHS primary care should be flexible to meet people’s needs and I’m pleased that the government is coming through on its promises to deliver a seven-day NHS and speed up access to GPs.”

The new hours have come through a collaboration of healthcare providers, including funding from NHS West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group, staff from the local GP federation of Mid Hampshire Healthcare and Andover War Memorial Hospital being provided as the venue by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Chief Executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Alex Whitfield said: “We are delighted to be able to host this extended hours service at Andover War Memorial Hospital, giving more people the chance to see a GP.

“We have a long history of working with our GP partners and are always looking for new ways of collaborating to provide the best possible service for the people of Hampshire.”

The eligible surgeries for the service are the Adelaide Medical Centre, Andover Health Centre Medical Practice, Charlton Hill Surgery, Shepherds Spring Medical Centre, St Mary’s Surgery, Stockbridge Surgery and Two Rivers Partnership.