Health Secretary Alan Johnson has unveiled further details of his planned reforms to NHS GP services.
It comes after the Chancellor Alistair Darling revealed that total spending on health will rise from £90bn in 2007-08 to £110bn in 2010-11.
Mr Johnson gave details of a new £250m access fund to provide extra GP surgeries in deprived areas, and extended-hours health centres in every part of the country.
He also announced a “groundbreaking” £170m therapy service to treat 900,000 patients with depression and anxiety in England over the next three years.
Mr Johnson said: “This is an exciting time for everyone involved in healthcare. Patients and the public will continue to benefit from a National Health Service that is rising to the challenges of the 21st century.”
He added the access fund will deliver “at least” 100 new GP practices in the 25% of Primary Care Trusts with the poorest provision.
“These practices will bring the most modern healthcare models direct to the nation’s most deprived areas,” he said.
Mr Johnson said the Government will also ensure that at least half of all GP surgeries will open either at evenings or weekends.
The fund will also establish at least 150 new GP-run health centres in easily-accessible locations open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, Mr Johnson added.
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