01 August 2008
Patients hold GP services in high regard but still have concerns about the availability of appointments at convenient times, according to the Healthcare Commission.
Its survey of more than 69,000 people in England found marginal improvements in patients' experiences but wide variations in access times. Patients should see a GP within 48 hours of asking for an appointment. In the highest-scoring PCT 89% were seen within this time, but in the lowest-scoring it was just 43%. A quarter had been put off going to their GP by inconvenient opening hours.
The Department of Health has renegotiated the GP contract to extend surgery hours. While more patients were offered a choice for hospital appointments, figures for PCTs varied between 62% and 23%.
Patients also wanted more access to NHS dentists.
Anna Walker, the commission's chief executive, said: 'People clearly do want to be able to see a GP more easily and at more convenient times. We recognise the national concerns about dental care and we will be highlighting gaps where they occur.'
PFaug2008
