Health minister Lord Ara Darzi has published his report on the future of the NHS, which includes plans to increase access to GPs.
He said the government aims to get at least half of all GP practices to open on Saturday mornings or one or more evenings per week.
And a total of 150 GP-run health centres will open seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm, in easily accessible locations.
More than 100 new GP practices with up to 900 GPs, nurses, and healthcare assistants will also open in the quarter of primary care trusts with the poorest provision, he added.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson welcomed the measures, saying: “This report draws on evidence of good practice from this country and around the world.
“It is the start of developing the next stage in the NHS journey – world-class in all respects: safe, accessible and of the highest quality.
“Lord Darzi has set out a clear vision for the future, which will now be developed for the final report to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the NHS next year. It is clear, however, that there are some areas where we can, and should, make progress immediately.
“I am announcing a major package of changes to improve access to GP services across the country so that more people can see a GP where they want to and at a time they want to.
“This is a massive investment in primary care provision and will benefit millions of patients across the country.”
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