Published on: 19 July 2022
GP practices in Herefordshire and Worcestershire have, once again, scored better than the national average in this year’s GP Patient Survey results reflecting their hard work and dedication to providing services across the two counties.
The results of the 2022 GP Patient Survey were published last week and showed that residents in the two counties generally had a more positive experience of their practice than those elsewhere in the country.
79 percent of patients surveyed said their overall experience of their GP practice was good or very good, which is above the national average of 72 percent and the best in the region.
The survey, which was carried out by Ipsos MORI, took place from January – April 2022 when many practices continued to run Covid-19 vaccination services alongside their normal duties.
All GP practices across Herefordshire and Worcestershire offer online consultations, video and telephone appointments alongside face-to-face appointments when needed. 77 percent of respondents reported satisfaction with the type of appointment offered, above the national average of 72 percent.
88 percent reported that receptionists were helpful and 61 percent of people felt that it was easy to get through to someone on the phone, again beating the national average of 82 percent and 53 percent respectively.
For those who reported they were unable to make an appointment, only 6 percent of respondents indicated they went to an Emergency Department, below the national average of 11 percent. 19 percent said their practice helped them in another way, above the national average of 12 percent and 16 percent said they decided to contact their practice another time (national 14 per cent).
Majority of patients say the healthcare professional they had an appointment with were 93 percent happy with their involvement with decision making (national 90 percent), 88 percent at listening to them (national 85 percent), 87 percent treating them with care and concern (national 83 percent) and 87 percent giving them enough time (national 83 percent).
Lynda Dando, Director of Primary Care for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: “This is yet again, another set of encouraging results for Herefordshire and Worcestershire practices, who should also be commended for their continued efforts supporting the Covid-19 vaccination programme.
“All practices across our two counties have worked tirelessly to continue to provide services and care to their patients whilst continuing to deliver Covid vaccines along with managing the surge of those coming forward that may have stayed away during the pandemic. This dedication can be seen in the positive results of this year’s survey.
“GP practices continue to work hard in the face of growing demand and people are reminded that contact should be made by telephone or online, at which point the most appropriate appointment will be offered. Please remember to be respectful and polite to all our NHS staff who have been working so incredibly hard to provide you with the best possible care.”
