The Hamilton Practice has responded positively to the government ‘Extended Hours’ initiative.

This is aimed at patients who, by the constant demand of their working hours, are always unable to attend their registered surgery for regular appointments between the normal surgery opening hours of 8.00am to 6.30pm.

The Surgery has made ‘Early Morning Appointments’ available since the beginning of the year; these occur on Friday mornings starting at 7.30am. These are routine appointments only and must be booked in advance.

As from the 31st December 2008 this service will be expanded to Monday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.30pm (last bookable appointment 7.50pm).

These surgeries have just one or two Doctors (no Nurse or Healthcare Assistant) and are not available for emergency or walk-in use.

The Hamilton Practice remains, to all intents and purposes, closed from 6.30pm to 8.00am when PELC provides emergency cover on behalf of all GPs in Harlow.

During the new ‘Extended Hours’ the Reception desk will not be open to take telephone calls, book appointments, collect prescriptions, provide test results or answer any queries.