Three quarters of patients locally report they are satisfied with their GP practice

The results of the latest national GP patient survey show that 77% of those surveyed in Suffolk and north east Essex are satisfied overall with their experience of using their GP practice, higher than the national average and placing them among the top in England.

Despite the ever-present challenges and pressures facing the NHS these results show that local GP practices remain resilient, and that overall practice staff are offering a high-quality service to their patients.

The results of the IPSOS Mori/NHS England survey are based on the responses of 10,693 patients who completed a questionnaire.

The survey asked a series of questions about GP practices across the country.

Locally, 74% of patients felt that the length of time waiting for an appointment was about right (66% nationally) and 89% felt the healthcare professional was good at listening (87% nationally).  The experience of contacting their GP practice was also rated higher than the national average at 71% (67% nationally). Overall satisfaction of experience was rated at 77% (74% nationally).

Some of the question responses highlighted where improvements needed to actioned. These included only 50% saying it was easy to contact their GP practice through the NHS app (45% nationally) and 72% believed the health professional considered their mental health (73% nationally).

Lisa Nobes, Chief Nurse, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said: “Despite the ever-increasing demand for primary care services it is heartening that more than three-quarters of patients report a good overall level of satisfaction.

“GP practices are staffed with a wide range of healthcare professionals, and all of them work incredibly hard and are doing their best for patients.

“We do know however that people’s experiences differ across the patch which is why our focus continues to be on enhancing primary care services and implementing further improvement.”

Read the full survey results – gp-patient.co.uk/icsslidepacks2024#region1