Patient GP survey includes more questions for 2009

A new survey investigating how GP services in England can be improved has more questions and a wider breadth of topics on it than previously, it was revealed this week.

The Department of Health is undertaking the research for the third year and focusing on the experiences of people when they visit their doctor.

Over five million patients will be asked for their opinion and it is hoped the results will help initiate changes and improvements within the system.

Not only will the survey cover “wider issues” but it will also give people a chance to pinpoint what matters most to them, said health minister Ben Bradshaw.

“Where patients identify areas for improvement, the local NHS will need to respond,” he added.

“I hope everyone who receives a questionnaire will take the time to fill it in.”

Questions are set to include whether receptionists at GP centres are helpful and how useful the local out-of-hours care is.

News of the survey follows a previous Department of Health announcement last month, which stated plans to improve and enhance pathology services within the NHS.

Proposals include better test turnaround times and IT connectivity.