Welsh practices have made progress in improving access for their patients, the country’s government said yesterday.

The government in Wales has promised to improve opening times from Monday to Friday – rather than on weekend opening as in England.

It says it has been successful in ensuring that few practices close for half days – an issue being addressed in England by the latest GP contract.

According to the figures, 3% of practices closed for half-days during the week last year – compared with 4% in 2015.

Some 85% of practices stayed open for daily core hours compared with 60% in 2011.

And last year 19% of practices offered appointments before 8.30am at least twice a week – compared with 16% in 2015.

The British Medical Association in Wales said the key to improving GP accessibility was ensuring that patients knew about the “full range of professionals” available through practices.

Chair Dr Charlotte Jones said: “There is always room for improvement, and making sure that practices can offer flexibility to patients is key.

“However we must not forget that there is a lot more work needed to be done to ensure patients are aware of the full range of professionals that can meet their needs. The default should not automatically be the GP.”

Welsh health secretary Vaughan Gething said: “We will continue to work collaboratively with GPs and other professions to improve access and patient experience.”