Patients in County Durham will
be able to have their say on how easy it is to book a GP appointment to fit in with their busy lives in the biggest national survey ever conducted (sent out last week). The GP patient experience survey, targeting 4.9 million patients across the country, asking patients directly about their experiences of accessing services.
According to figures from the Healthcare Commission in 2005, in County Durham all patients who wished to could book a GP appointment within the 48 hour target. This compares to 74% nationally.
Cameron Ward, Director of Commissioning and Market Development for County Durham Primary Care Trust, said: “Members of the public regularly tell us that access to GPs is one of their top priorities.
Our predecessor PCTs worked very hard with

practices in County Durham to make it easier for patients to access a GP - for example by extending opening hours - and to see a GP within 48 hours. It is therefore vital that we ensure that our practices can be accessed when needed and that patients are satisfied with the quality of service received.
“The results from the survey will give us a better understanding from a patient perspective of how well national priorities are being implemented in our general practices.”
Posters and leaflets informing NHS patients and staff about the new survey have been in GP surgeries since December, but last week a postal survey was sent to around five million patients.
The survey questionnaire includes questions on flexible booking, telephone access, opening hours and satisfaction levels.
The results of the survey will be out by late May 2007,

following which, PCTs and practices will work together to make further improvements.
Cameron added: “The GP Patient Survey will provide us with a patient’s view of how well GP surgeries measure-up on booking ahead, telephone access and opening times.
Once the results have been received, the PCT will be using the information to identify areas of strong performance and highlight areas in which they can improve services for local people and particularly their experiences of care.”
Taking part in the survey is completely voluntary for patients, who have been randomly selected.
Advice/help-lines are provided
for those individuals needing additional support (e.g. translation, support for the visually impaired and other special needs groups). Speak to your local GP practice for advice.