MORE doctors surgeries in Hillingdon are set to extend their hours this month to meet new Government targets.

New targets were recently set stating that 50 per cent of doctors surgeries should operate extended opening hours on early mornings, evenings and weekends by the end of 2008.

Hillingdon PCT was falling below this target but they have confirmed that they have set plans in motion to bring them up to speed.

A PCT spokesperson said: "Hillingdon Primary Care Trust is on target to meet the Government standard to have 50 per cent of GP surgeries operating with extended opening hours by the end of 2008.

"At present there are 21 practices with extended opening hours in Hillingdon.

"The PCT has agreement for a further four practices in the borough to have extended opening hours by mid November, bringing the total number of practices to 25 out of 49."

Statistics for opening hours differ across London, with 93 per cent of surgeries running extended hours in Dagenham, compared with none in Newham.