The results of this year’s national GP Patient Survey (GPPS) show high overall levels of patient satisfaction (81%) with Gloucestershire GP practices – well above the national average of 72%.

The annual survey assesses patients’ experiences of healthcare services provided by GP practices across a range of topics, from confidence and trust in healthcare professionals, satisfaction with levels of care to ease of making appointments and suitability of appointment times.

Results are presented at GP practice, Primary Care Network (PCN), Integrated Care System (ICS) and national level. In the One Gloucestershire ICS, 20,830 questionnaires were sent out and 8,239 were returned completed, representing a response rate of 40%.

Dr Andy Seymour, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Gloucestershire, said:

“We welcome these results which show that patients’ overall experience with Gloucestershire GP practices is positive, above the national average and the highest in England.

This is testament to the commitment of GP surgery teams across the county who have been working incredibly hard to provide the best possible care under intense pressure.

At a time when demand for GP surgery services is extremely high, up by almost 20% since 2019 not only have local practices delivered more appointments than ever before, but they have also led and delivered an incredible COVID-19 vaccination programme.

The national picture shows an overall 10% reduction in patient satisfaction since 2021 with a smaller decline in Gloucestershire of 6%.

This is not to be unexpected given the extent of the challenges in primary care, including increasing demand and workforce constraints.

Against that backdrop, we believe practices should be commended for maintaining such high standards across a range of survey themes and showing such innovation in patient care.”

The results show that confidence and trust in the county’s health professionals remains high, at 96%, with 90% of patients reporting that they felt listened to at their appointment and 93% reporting that they felt involved in decisions about their care and treatment. 88% of patients were happy that they were treated with care and concern.

General practice in Gloucestershire has a very strong track record in embracing new ways of working and offering the right kind of care and appointments, based on the nature of the patient’s symptoms, condition and needs.

Practices now have clinical pharmacists, physiotherapists, mental health professionals, paramedics and other professionals working within or alongside practice teams – making a big contribution and supporting them to meet the individual needs of patients.

Innovations in video and telephone consultations have been positive for many patients where it suits their lifestyle and working patterns, although most patients prefer face-to-face or telephone appointments.

Face to face (in person) consultations with clinicians in the practice team are available to those who need them. They currently account for 69% of appointments in Gloucestershire, which is better than the national average of 61%.

However, there is some variability for patients across the county accessing appointments.

Dr Seymour added:

“There is always room for improvement and we will continue to work closely with practices to provide support, particularly around areas such as recruitment, appointments and booking systems.

We know that some patients have had to wait longer than they would like for non-urgent appointments, and we are doing everything we can to work with practices and PCNs to provide the best possible access to services.”

NHS Gloucestershire will continue to progress its long-term primary care infrastructure plan to improve the patient experience and environment. Over the last six years, around £65m worth of capital investment has supported 20 schemes, both new builds and extensions.

The full 2022 GP Patient Survey results can be found at: https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/2022-gp-patient-survey-results-released