Bristol GP Survey

In September 2019, Healthwatch Bristol undertook a survey to capture the experience of people about 47 GP surgeries across the city. They found that it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to get an appointment to see a doctor, particularly their own named GP. Some people have to wait up to four weeks to see their GP and that waiting times in surgery waiting rooms have also increased. The report also found that people prefer to see their GP face to face although a large number of people said that they were happy with the telephone consultation service and that it was very convenient for minor health concerns. People were concerned about the triage systems run by the receptionists as they did not feel confident in sharing their personal information with anyone other than the GP. Concerns about GP practice mergers were also raised, especially for the people with disabilities. The report made recommendations and contains responses from the providers.