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05/01/2009
Patients To Have Say On Improving GP Services
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.
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 last year's survey, patients called for quicker access to GP appointments - in response to this, over half of all 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."
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.
(JM/KMcA)
Results from the national survey will be used to drive changes to GP services and rewards for GPs who provide fast, convenient services.
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 last year's survey, patients called for quicker access to GP appointments - in response to this, over half of all 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."
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.
(JM/KMcA)
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27 November 2006
Patients to get say on GP services
Five million patients are to get the chance to have their say on GP services, as the biggest ever survey on NHS services was launched by the government. The GP Patient Survey will ask patients about their experiences of flexible booking, telephone access and opening hours.
Patients to get say on GP services
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14 October 2004
New charter guarantees patients out-of-hours GP care
Patients will continue to be guaranteed access to home visits from GPs if they need one when new changes to out-of-hours services are brought in at the end of the year. New national quality requirements published today by Health Minister John Hutton set out the national minimum levels of service for GP out-of-hours care.
New charter guarantees patients out-of-hours GP care
Patients will continue to be guaranteed access to home visits from GPs if they need one when new changes to out-of-hours services are brought in at the end of the year. New national quality requirements published today by Health Minister John Hutton set out the national minimum levels of service for GP out-of-hours care.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
