Evening and weekend GP deal hope

People sometimes struggle to find time to visit their GP

GP surgeries in Scotland may open during evenings and weekends - if a deal is struck between family doctors and ministers.

It is designed to help those patients whose work makes it difficult to see a doctor during normal working hours.

Changes made to GPs' contracts in 2005 mean they are no longer obliged to provide out of hours cover.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon wants more patient friendly consulting hours to be introduced.

'Funding concern'

The Scottish Government confirmed the proposal to provide extended hours was being considered, in a deal worth £9.5m.

If accepted, it would mean thousands of Scots would gain out-of-hours access to their family doctors.

In turn it is hoped this would reduce pressure on A&E wards and NHS 24.

The British Medical Association said it plans to canvas the opinion of its members over the proposal.

A spokeswoman said many GPs were concerned the proposal will take money from existing funding schemes, which will see them working longer hours for no extra money.