EXTRA help for the over-85s to see their GP is set to benefit more than 1,500 senior citizens in Rossendale after approval was given to a wider scheme in Burnley.

GPs in the valley have drawn up proposals that would allow qualifying patients to secure extended appointments with their local doctor, using social care funding provided by the East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group.

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Five pounds per head of population is available for the scheme, which has been pulled together by a steering group for Rossendale.

Dr John O’Malley said in a report: “The standard length of a GP appointment is 10 minutes.

“With increasing complexity of presenting problems and long-term conditions, there is a strong argument for extending the length of appointment.”

Under the new initiative, the over-85s could expect a 20-minute slot, incorporating a more thorough assessment of their needs, clearer oversight of medication issues and key signposting to other agencies.

The Lancashire Telegraph reported last month that a similar project had been devised by GPs in Burnley, but this time covering over-75s, which was approved by the CCG’s primary care committee.

Qualifying patients could expect extended appointments as part of £368,000 proposals.

Under the plans, elderly residents could call for a same-day appointment and undergo a range of routine health checks, such as blood pressure monitoring.

The approved bid, involving the recruitment of two specialist nurse practitioners, would work to improve the general health of senior citizens and prevent avoidable admissions to hospital.