More than five million patients in England are being asked for their views on how to improve family doctor services in a new survey launched by the Government today.  Results from the national survey will be used to drive changes to GP services and rewards for GPs who provide fast, convenient services.

• Related Isle of Wight News: A public consultation was launched (16th December 2008) on the NHS usage of 084 telephone numbers. read more Have Your Say On NHS 084 Numbers.

This is the third year the Department of Health has run the GP patient survey, which focuses on patients’ experiences of visiting a GP. In response to patients’ calls for quick access to GP appointments at convenient times in last year’s survey, over half of GP practices now offer extended opening hours making it easier for patients to get appointments at times that suit them.

Health Minister Ben Bradshaw said:

“The national GP patient survey last year gave five million people a chance to have their say on improving access to their GP. The NHS listened and responded, and now over half of GP practices are making it easier for their patients to book appointments later in the evening, earlier in the morning or at the weekend.

“This new survey with wider questions, will ensure patients can have their say about the issues that matter most to them. Where patients identify areas for improvement, the local NHS will need to respond.

“I hope everyone who receives a questionnaire will take the time to fill it in and help to drive improvements in healthcare by giving us an accurate picture of patients’ experiences of local GP services.”

The survey now includes more questions to find out if GP practices are getting the basics right for their patients – whether patients find receptionists helpful, have the option of telephone consultations, feel their problem is understood and how they rate the overall care they receive. Patients are also asked to rate local out of hours care to ensure health care is easily accessible when patients need it.

Patients’ answers will continue to set the level of payments made to their GP practice for delivering access to GP appointments in two working days and for booking appointments in advance. The expanded survey also means the local NHS can link GP pay more closely to their patients’ views if this will improve care for patients.

For further details on the survey, including a copy of the new survey questionnaire see http://www.gp-patient.co.uk

• The survey continues to be delivered in line with best professional advice. Survey questionnaires and a covering letter will be sent to 5.7m people registered with GP practices in the week commencing 5th January 2009. Reminders will be sent to non respondents in February and March. The final date for receipt of questionnaires by Ipsos MORI is 13 April 09. All outgoing and incoming survey mail is distributed using second class post.

Related Isle of Wight News: A public consultation was launched (16th December 2008) on the NHS usage of 084 telephone numbers. A number of medical services on the Isle of Wight are using 084 numbers, of which people are paying more than the cost of a local rate call when they seek medical advice… read more Have Your Say On NHS 084 Numbers.