PRESS RELEASE: Early feedback of local survey shows problems for local people to contact their local GP

Healthwatch Doncaster are encouraging people in Doncaster to have their say on access to GP services after initial responses reveal they struggle to get through to their surgery via telephone

Patient feedback

Around 50% of respondents have told our survey on access to GP services, that they had not been able to get through on the telephone to their practice, and a number of people who did not get an appointment to suit themselves or the person they accompanied.

Launched in May 2019, the survey was produced due to local and national media coverage concerning the issue of people accessing GP services, views received through our feedback centre and anecdotally at engagement events.

Results to date show that 40% of respondents stated they do not experience any problems accessing their GP services. Concerns were raised about patients not been able to see the person that they request to see at their GP Practice, but it is encouraging to see that so many respondents are aware of other services available around Doncaster on the weekend for health advice.

Doncaster people have been keen to contribute to the survey, and express their views, illustrated by over 1,000 responses we’ve received

Jill Telford, Healthwatch Doncaster Engagement Team Manager

The response and participation of the local people so far has been very encouraging and the team have attended many venues across Doncaster to gain as many views as possible. They will continue to be present at venues and events around Doncaster including leisure centres, hospital sites and the Armed Forces Day on 29^th June at the Wool Market.

The survey will close on the 8th July and there is an expectation of vast responses as it has generated a huge response.

“It has been great speaking to people through engagement activites on their experiences, and we’re delighted with the response so far. However we’d really like more comments to represent a full picture of access to GP services,” said Jill.

You can find more information about this project here

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Healthwatch Doncaster is a Community Interest Company as of 1^st July 2016, to continue its work across Doncaster supporting the improvement of health and care services through engagement, involvement and influence.

This entails engagement work throughout the community and signposting people to the right service.

Press release contact:

Healthwatch Doncaster Engagement Team Manager

[email protected]

01302 965457 or mobile: 07834 686857