New Survey Shows That Welsh Patients Are Happy With Their GPs

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Article Date: 02 Jul 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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The results of the first Welsh GP patient survey have been published recently.

The survey, published on the Welsh Assembly Government website, shows that high numbers of patients in Wales are happy with the service and treatment they receive from their GPs.

The survey looked at patients' experiences of making an appointment to see a GP or member of the primary care team.

It was also used to obtain information on the general satisfaction of patients. More than 161,000 patients responded.

The survey showed that:

- 88 per cent of patients reported that they were satisfied with the care they received at their surgery, including 57 per cent who were very satisfied;

- 83 per cent of patients who had tried to see a GP fairly quickly were able to see a GP or healthcare professional within 24 hours; and,

- Nearly three-quarters of patients were able to book an appointment with a GP or healthcare professional more than two full days in advance.

Health Minster Edwina Hart said:

"The Welsh GP Patient Survey is part of the Welsh Assembly Government's commitment to making the Welsh Health Service responsive to patients' needs.

"The survey shows that patients are generally satisfied with the services provided by their GP practice.

"This demonstrates that the significant investment in the new General Medical Services by the Welsh Assembly Government is paying off by providing better care and ultimately a better quality of life for patients.

"The survey also measured how well GP surgeries are meeting the standards for access to GP services. The results show that whilst a high number of patients are happy with access to GP's, there are a significant number of practices who could do more to ensure patients are able to access services when they need them. This will help surgeries and Local Health Boards understand where improvements are needed."

Source
Welsh Assembly Government