Doctors will treat patients at their surgeries seven days a week under fresh plans to help struggling hospitals over winter, it has emerged.

NHS Canterbury and Coastal CCG bosses unveiled a five-month pilot this week for practices to remain open at weekends in Whitstable, Herne Bay and Faversham.

It means ill patients can receive GP services on Saturday and Sunday instead of using the out-of-hours doctor.

Weekend GPs can access medical records even for patients at different surgeries while doctors from across the towns will take turns to provide cover.

The trial starts on Saturday and could be rolled out full-time from April if it proves to relieve pressure on accident and emergency departments.

Bridge GP Dr Mark Jones, clinical chair of the CCG, says the decision was brought in as a result of growing demand for better access to weekend care.

Last month, Prime Minister David Cameron guaranteed seven-day GP access by 2020 if the Conservatives win the general election in May.

Dr Jones said: “We have heard from patients and politicians who say they would like to see surgeries open seven days a week.

“We regularly discuss with patient groups and the feedback from them is that they see this as a positive development.

“The proposal came from the three practices in the three towns and the CCG is happy to support them.

“We would stress this is a pilot and we need to evaluate whether it will reduce the urgent demand placed on hospitals.

“I think there are a number of similar developments across the country.

“We are aware of the political message but we are aware there are also concerns over whether there are enough GPs to provide cover and if it is affordable.”

In Whitstable, patients can visit the Estuary View Medical Centre where services include x-rays and a minor injury unit.

Dr John Ribchester, senior partner at Whitstable Medical Practice, said: “The pilot will be an important trial to see if providing seven-day primary care services is sustainable for the future.

“The service will work on a walk-in basis – no booking will be required and it will be for all patients registered with a practice in Whitstable.”

While in Herne Bay, the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital will remain open at the weekend.

Dr Simon Dunn, GP for St Anne’s Group Practice, said: “Practices from across Herne Bay will be working together to provide the weekend service which will be based in the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital.

“We know that many people across the area tend to use A&E on a weekend when they could be seen by a GP.

“We hope this pilot service will prove convenient for patients who need to see a doctor but do not have a life-threatening or serious injury or illness.

“It should also help to relieve some of the pressure on our A&E colleagues.”

While in Faversham, the pilot will be rolled out at the Faversham Medical Practice in Bank Street.

Dr Sarah Phillips, Partner at Newton Place Surgery and CCG town lead, said: “We look forward to working with our GP colleagues across Faversham to provide this service for all of our patients.

"We are always looking for improved ways of providing primary care services and it will be very interesting to see if the pilot can provide an effective alternative to A&E for urgent, but not life-threatening conditions.”

Gillian Fowler, from the League of Friends at Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital, says she is “delighted” with the announcement.

She said: “I’m delighted. The trouble is since 111 it’s difficult to access the doctor.

“I’ve been ill at the bank holiday weekend and I couldn’t see the doctor at the end of my road and I was peeved so I’m feeling very positive.

“If we have our own GPs available it will be brilliant, the League of Friends are happy to provide any equipment to help.”