Patients: GP practices are ‘good and improving’

A new report from CFEP-UK Surveys, a provider of patient surveys, has found that increasing numbers of NHS patients have been able to see their GPs and spoken to them by phone.

In the survey of 800,000 patients across 2,000 practices between April 2004 and the end of 2005, patients rated contact with their doctor as “good” – an improvement on the previous year’s “fair” rating. Also, a “significant improvement” was shown in several areas, including reassurance by doctors and nurses, respect for privacy and confidentiality, information on services and the provision of reminder systems and checks.

However, patients were less happy with the opening hours of their local practices, although it was still said to be “good”.

Dr David Jenner, clinical director of CFEP-UK Surveys, remarked: “British General Practice is rather like tomato sauce – most people love the product but have traditionally had trouble getting it out of the bottle.”

“Now that’s getting easier and the sauce remains as popular as ever but people do want the shop open longer,” he added.

Lord Warner, health minister, concluded: “Our target of patients being able to see a GP within two working days is leading to quicker care and has largely ended the problem of people waiting a week or more to see a doctor.

“New NHS walk-in centres and GPs piloting extended opening times are now allowing patients to see a doctor in the early mornings and evenings as well as at weekends.”

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