Accessing care through GP surgeries
Download (PDF 610.27 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Gloucestershire wanted to follow up on the impact of their February 2021 report on GP access. They collected data in a variety of ways, including their own feedback, via Care Opinion and reviews on NHS Choices. Altogether they looked at the experiences of 9,953 people.
The overall perception of GPs has changed for the better since their last report. People appreciated the challenges and success of the vaccine rollout through primary care providers.
GP care remains patchy and there is a feeling that some areas are better or worse off for their GP satisfaction.
Several concerns remain since January 2021. Communication, support, and appointment booking remain key sticking points in the patient-practice relationship.
18% of feedback was about the digitalisation of care and remote consultation process, and 80% of this was negative. People want choice over how to contact or be consulted by their GP.
People do not like to feel that their care is disjointed, that they are looked at one symptom at a time or as a tick box exercise.
There is still a lack of clarity about the window of time when people will get a call back or telephone consultation from their GP practice and this causes frustration.
People felt the pressures on staff worsened their attitudes towards patients and this limited the quality of care received.
The report contains five recommendations on appointments, communication, joined up care, access to vaccines and staff training.