ONE of Boston's largest medical practices has just unveiled a cutting edge system that will allow its patients to book appointments at any time of the day or night.

Westside Surgery, which has more than 8,000 patients, this week launched a new telephone system known as Patient Partner which enables people to call the surgery 24 hours a day to schedule a consultation with a doctor.

The practice says the system, together with its new online booking and prescription ordering service and late night opening on Monday and Tuesdays, will make it much easier for patients to access its services.

Practice manager Bronya Glet told the Target: "We are always keen to listen to what our patients want and the introduction of an automated system offers a great way of improving communication and choice for patients.

"Patient Partner is very easy to use. It detects spaces in the doctors' diaries and allows the patient to choose the appointment time which best suits them by pressing a button on their touch tone phone.

"Naturally our patients may still call and speak with a receptionist if they wish.

"However, this new service enables them to bypass reception and call at anytime.

"This is particularly convenient for our working patients including those who work unsociable hours.

"It will also release time for our receptionists to attend to patient care.

"We are confident that it will be a great bonus for both patients and staff at Westside."

For information about Westside Surgery log onto its website at www.westsidesurgery.co.uk