Thumbs up for family doctors in latest snapshot of patients - The Malvern Observer

Thumbs up for family doctors in latest snapshot of patients

Malvern Editorial 19th Jul, 2021   0

FAMILY doctors across the county have, once again, scored above national average in this year’s GP Patient Survey results.

The results of the 2021 GP Patient Survey were published earlier this month and showed that residents in the two counties generally had a more positive experience of their practice than those elsewhere in the country.

In all 87 per cent of patients surveyed said their overall experience of primary care was good or very good, which is above the national average of 83 per cent.

The survey, which was carried out by Ipsos MORI, took place from January – March 2021 when many practices were running Covid-19 Vaccination Services alongside their normal duties.




All GP practices across Herefordshire and Worcestershire offer online consultations, video and telephone appointments alongside face to face appointments when needed. Over half of all appointments at GP practices are face to face and 59 per cent of patients where seen within one day, which is above the national average of 55 per cent.

Some 17 per cent of patients stated that they had avoided making a general practice appointment because they were worried about catching Covid-19 and 21 per cent were worried about the burden on the NHS.


Although this is in line with national average, patients are reminded that GP practices remain open and available to those who need them, and Covid-19 safety measures will remain in place after July 19.

Lynda Dando, Director of Primary Care for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG said: “This is yet again, another set of encouraging results for Herefordshire and Worcestershire practices, who should also be commended for their efforts throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

“All practices across our two counties have worked hard to continue to provide services and care to their patients whilst vaccinating some of our most vulnerable residents. This hard work and dedication can be seen in the positive results of this year’s survey.

“GP practices are open and initial contact should be made by telephone or online, at which point the most appropriate appointment will be offered. Please remember to be respectful and polite to all our NHS staff who have been working so incredibly hard to provide you with the best possible care.”

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