What we heard about GP services in Oxfordshire
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Healthwatch Oxfordshire analysed their feedback about GPs from 786 members of the public between April 2025 and March 2026.
Healthwatch heard about a wide range of experiences of GP practices.
43% of people who reviewed GP practices in Healthwatch's Feedback Centre rated their experience of GP services as ‘Excellent’, but 21% also rated them as ‘Terrible’, indicating that many people were also dissatisfied.
People told Healthwatch about challenges contacting GP practices and booking timely appointments, especially for those with additional communication and language needs. They also heard about challenges for those with limited public transport, for example in rural areas. People also were concerned about the impact of population growth and new development, where services did not keep up with demand.
People said that they need clear and effective communication with and between services, and consistency in interpreting offer for those who do not have English as a first language, or other communication needs.
People told of challenges with administration and getting prescriptions, including not being able to request repeat prescriptions by phone and practice delays in approving and preparing repeat prescriptions.
Most people said they were happy with the care they received, but Healthwatch heard about some experiences of people not feeling listened to or not getting the care they needed.
People’s priorities for improvement include better access to services, shorter waiting times for GP appointments and referrals, more options for making appointments, and better more joined up support for certain groups such as trans people, for women’s health, those with dementia or people with mental health issues.
Throughout, Healthwatch heard about how health inequalities can exacerbate challenges and vice versa. Healthwatch heard that those who do not speak English as a first language, those who have additional communication needs, or who face barriers to using digital tools or attending appointments such as cost or access to transport, are most likely to struggle to get the support they need.