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Family Doctor Services

Perhaps I can help my right hon. Friend. The issue is not so much about the number of people who demand such services when they are well as it is about the number of people who are using accident and emergency departments on a Saturday and Sunday, but who would far rather be seen in their local clinic, a bus ride away, by their local GP, pharmacist or practice nurse. The real benefit of opening 12 hours a day, seven days a week, is far more to do with keeping people away from accident and emergency departments—many of which may be 10 or 20 miles away, or even more—that are inappropriate for them. We should localise the care that is appropriate to their needs, so that it is far closer to their homes.