NHS Waltham Forest has the highest percentage of GP practices offering extended hours in the country.
Figures released by the Department of Health today show that 98 per cent of surgeries in the borough are now offering patients extended opening hours, outside of the usual 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday opening.
The statistics show that the end of December more than 69 per cent of the 8,262 GP practices in England are offering more flexible early morning, evening and weekend opening.
Health Minister Ben Bradshaw said: "I am extremely pleased to announce that 98 per cent of GP practices in Waltham Forest are now offering greater flexibility in their opening hours.
"Thanks to the hard work of GPs and the local NHS we have achieved our challenging target and this is fantastic news for patients who can now get to see a GP in their own surgery in the evening, early morning or at weekends.”
Afzal Akram, chair of NHS Waltham Forest added: "Extending surgery hours makes it easier for patients to fit appointments around work, childcare and other commitments and also makes visiting a GP in Waltham Forest easier and more convenient for everyone."
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