Published on: 18 July 2023
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 2023 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 and came out in the top sixth in the country.
76% of patients surveyed said their overall experience of their GP practice was good or very good, which is above the national average of 71% and the best in the region.
The survey, which was carried out by Ipsos MORI, took place from January – April 2023
All GP practices across Herefordshire and Worcestershire offer online consultations, video and telephone appointments alongside face-to-face appointments when needed. 77% of respondents reported satisfaction with the type of appointment offered, above the national average of 72%.
86% reported that receptionists were helpful and 56% of people felt that it was easy to get through to someone on the phone, again beating the national average of 82% and 50% respectively.
Most people were seen at their practice 70% compared to 67% nationally. For those who reported they were unable to make an appointment, only 5% of respondents indicated they went to an emergency department, below the national average of 12%. 19% said their practice helped them in another way, above the national average of 12% and 16% said they decided to contact their practice another time (national 14% cent).
Majority of patients say the healthcare professional they had an appointment with were 92% happy with their involvement with decision making (national 90%), 87% at listening to them (national 85%), 86% treating them with care and concern (national 84%) and 87% giving them enough time (national 84%).
Areas where Herefordshire and Worcestershire practices are lower than the national average are the numbers of people booking appointments online (18% vs 23%), completing online forms (7% vs 11%) and accessing medical records (15% vs 17%).
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 continue to work to improve services for patients in ever challenging circumstances.
“All practices across our two counties have worked tirelessly to continue to provide services and care to their patients whilst continuing to deliver Covid booster programmes throughout 2022 and 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 continue to make improvements that enable accessing their services easier for patients including telephone systems and online access.
People are reminded that they can contact their practice online or by telephone, at which point the most appropriate appointment will be offered. Please remember to be respectful and polite to all our NHS staff who work so incredibly hard to provide you with the best possible care.”
