GPs will be available in longer hours for urgent appointments in Havering thanks to £5.6million government funding.
The money is being put towards the extended hours, reducing waiting times, new ways of contacting surgeries and giving people with complex health problems a dedicated team including a GP, practice nurse and consultant to improve care.
Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in Havering, Redbridge and Barking and Dagenham are sharing the grant from the Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund.
The bid was supported by MPs and councillors who signed letters of support to Number 10.
It is hoped that improved access to GP appointments will ease the pressure on A&E.
Dr Jagan John, who submitted the application, said he was “delighted”.
He added: “It will help us to improve care and better meet the needs of our patients, rather than simply doing things as we always have.
“Local health services are under real pressure, as everybody knows, and GPs are determined to do our bit to help improve care for patients across our area.
“GPs know their successful bid is just the start. Now we have to put our exciting plans into practice and make a difference for our patients.”
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