Responding to the GP Patient Survey, David Stout, Director of the Primary Care Trust Network which represents the majority of Primary Care Trusts said:

"We are extremely pleased that the GP Patient Survey continues to show such positive results, suggesting the most patients are largely satisfied with general practice, a highly trusted and valued part of the NHS. The survey also shows some improvement on most measures since last year."

"However, there is still more to be done to achieve first rate services across the board - we know some patients still find it hard to get an appointment that suits them in advance, and a significant minority want better access to services. Primary care trusts will continue to work hard finding local solutions, which could include widening online booking, extending opening hours or providing telephone consultations. The recent changes to the GP contract and extended opening in existing practices together with the introduction of new health centres across the country should help improve access and patient choice."

"The variation in satisfaction between patients is worrying; the survey confirms that BME groups report lower satisfaction with the NHS. While it is encouraging that the variation has started to narrow, there is still more to be done. The health service will want to make more progress in tackling these health inequalities. As local leaders of the NHS, Primary Care Trusts are in an ideal position to work with GPs to meet the needs of their entire population and deliver more responsive health services."

"Primary care access must be considered in its widest sense and not just in terms of extending GP opening hours. As highlighted in our briefing Access all areas the NHS must build on quality and choice, address health inequalities as well as improve the ways patients can use local services as part of improving access."

Related publication

Access all areas: improving GP and primary care access (354 kB PDF)
An overview of what the general medical services (GMS) contract is delivering for patients and the wider issues facing all primary care professionals in delivering first-rate access to general practice.

The PCT Network represents the majority of primary care trusts in England. The Network is part of the NHS Confederation.

The NHS Confederation represents more than 95% of the organisations that make up the NHS. Its members include the majority of NHS acute trusts, ambulance trusts, foundation trusts, mental health trusts, primary care trusts, special health authorities and strategic health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.

nhsconfed