The annual GP Patient Survey – conducted by Ipsos MORI for the Department of Health –

has found that overall patient satisfaction with GP services is 91 per cent, with 82 per cent of patients being happy with GP opening hours – the government had set a target for 50 per cent of GP surgeries to extend opening hours

The survey reported that 84 per cent of patients who asked for an appointment managed to obtain one within the 48-hour target. A total of 70 per cent of patients were happy with their ability to contact the surgery by telephone – and 77 per cent managed to obtain an appointment with the GP of their choice, even if they had to wait longer.

Health Minister Mike O’Brien said:

‘The GP Patient Survey is one of the most valuable tools we have for measuring what patients think of their GP practice. I congratulate the vast majority of surgeries who are performing well, but its clear some surgeries now need to look at these results and identify the areas where patients are still dissatisfied.

‘In particular, this year’s results show there is work to be done in improving telephone access to surgeries and making it easier for patients to book appointments in advance.‘

On Thursday (02/07/09), the Department of Health will publish the Provider Guide on Access and Responsiveness, which will offer advice to GP surgeries on how to deliver the services their patients need. The guide was developed with the Royal College of GPs, the British Medical Association and other bodies.

© 5r1 Limited, 2009

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