The Welsh Government has outlined its plans to make getting an appointment with a GP easier.
Health Minister Lesley Griffiths has said a three-phased approach will be rolled out to surgeries across Wales with a focus on making appointments more convenient for working people.
According to figures from the Welsh Government, just 12% of GP practices offer extended opening hours after 6.30pm.
It aims to have 30% by 2013/14 and 50% by March 2016. Health boards across Wales are currently reviewing the need for extended opening hours.
The first phase for improving access, which the Government has said is already underway, is the redistribution of appointments to between 5pm and 6.30pm. It will also see a reduction in the number of GP practices with half day or lunchtime closing.
The second phase will focus on later evening appointments, after 6.30pm, to meet the needs of patients who have difficulty in attending earlier in the day.
The third phase will ensure the provision of planned appointments at weekends.
Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said: “Improving access to GP surgeries is a top five Programme for Government commitment. Figures published earlier this year showed an overall increase in access, with progress to eliminate half-day closing well under way. However, there is still more to be done to ensure the needs of patients are met.
“GPs are already contracted to work between 8am and 6.30pm, so the emphasis of the first phase of improving access is to redistribute appointments within those hours.
“Most working people would find appointments between 5pm and 6.30pm more convenient than an appointment during working hours, although early morning appointments may be preferable for some, particularly in rural areas.
“Once we have improved access during these core hours and further reduced the number of practices with half day or lunchtime closing, we will look to extend the availability of planned appointments outside contracted hours.
“The initial focus will be on later evening appointments, after 6.30pm, or early morning appointments depending on the needs of patients.
“The third phase relates to access at weekends and I have commissioned work to develop an innovative model for access to appointments during this period, again to meet the needs of patients.
“It is our intention to deliver this commitment within existing budgets, and to continue regular discussions with the BMA, GPC Wales and Health Boards to ensure access is improved to better meet the needs of patients.”