The number of GP surgeries in Oxfordshire offering appointments outside normal working hours has crept up by just a handful in the past two months, official figures have revealed.

The Department of Health published data showing 35 out of 82 practices in the county opened in the early mornings, evenings or at weekends last month — up from 26 in July.

It takes the proportion of GP surgeries offering extended hours to 42 per cent, up from 31 per cent previously, which is still lower than the national average of more than 51 per cent.