THE i-Heart scheme in Barnsley is being extended to cover additional GP appointments over the Christmas period, giving Barnsley patients better access.

More GP appointments will be available in between the bank holidays, and some pharmacies will also be open.

The extra appointments are being funded by NHS England to help support Barnsley health services, and can be pre-booked by calling the i-Heart service. Same day appointments are also available. Advice can be given on the telephone and face-to-face GP appointments.

Dr Ajay Mistry, chairman of Barnsley Healthcare Federation which runs i-Heart, said: “Christmas and New Year are some of the busiest times of year for Barnsley’s healthcare services and i-Heart’s extended opening hours aim to give patients greater access to medical care, without the need to visit Barnsley Hospital’s A and E department.

“People often wait until the holidays are over and then try and contact their GP. That doesn’t need to be the case this year. GP and pharmacy services are open so please use them if you need to.

“On normal working days we would like to remind patients that they should always contact their own GP in the first instance, however, in cases where they are unable to provide as same day appointment, or need to receive treatment at times when their own surgery is closed, i-Heart is available to help.”

Lloyds Pharmacy in Barnsley travel interchange will be open for two hours on Christmas Day from 10am to noon.