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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.

"I hope everyone who receives a questionnaire will take the time to fill it in and help to drive improvements in healthcare by giving us an accurate picture of patients' experiences of local GP services."

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.

1. For further details on the survey, including a copy of the new survey questionnaire see http://www.gp-patient.co.uk.

2. The Department of Health has reappointed independent survey specialists Ipsos MORI to continue delivery of the GP Patient Survey for the next 3 years.

3. Ipsos MORI worked in partnership with primary care academics from the National Primary Care Research Development Centre, University of Manchester and Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth to develop the new questionnaire. All questions included in the survey have been subject to intensive cognitive testing and design by the survey providers and with the close engagement of a Stakeholder Review Group, which comprises the BMA, RCGP, RCN, NHS Employers as well as patient groups including The Patients Forum, National Association Patient Participation, SIGN Health.

4. The survey continues to be delivered in line with best professional advice. Survey questionnaires and a covering letter will be sent to 5.7m people registered with GP practices in the week commencing 5th January 2009. Reminders will be sent to non respondents in February and March. The final date for receipt of questionnaires by Ipsos MORI is 13 April 09. All outgoing and incoming survey mail is distributed using second class post.

5. From April 2009 the survey will move to being run every quarter ensuring availability of timely patient feedback to the NHS.

Monday 5 January 2009 10:51
Department of Health

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