Report by Duncan Williams @PulmansWeekly
Devon's General Practitioners (GPs) have achieved an impressive accolade, ranking second in GP satisfaction according to the recently published National GP Patient Survey by NHS England.
The survey results indicate that nearly 8 out of 10 people express contentment with their local medical practices, making it one of the highest satisfaction rates in the country. Although there has been a slight decrease in overall satisfaction rates compared to the previous year, Devon still outperforms many other regions, with 78% of patients describing their experience with their GP practice as good.
An overwhelming 93% of patients surveyed reported that their needs were effectively addressed during their last GP appointment, and a significant proportion, almost 72%, had the opportunity for a face-to-face consultation in Devon.
The GP Patient Survey (GPPS) is conducted throughout England, offering valuable insights into patients' experiences with their GP practices. In Devon, a commendable response of over 14,300 individuals provided valuable feedback about their interactions with healthcare services. The survey, administered by Ipsos on behalf of NHS England, covers various topics, including local GP services.
Furthermore, there has been a notable increase in the number of healthcare professionals working in general practice in Devon compared to pre-pandemic times. This includes a diverse range of clinical roles such as clinical pharmacists, paramedics, and advanced nurse practitioners.
The nationally published GP appointment data (GPAD) showcases Devon's commitment to patient accessibility. Almost 50% of appointments are scheduled within one working day of patients reaching out to their practice, consistently exceeding the set targets.
Dr Nigel Acheson, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Devon, said: "We have excellent primary care services in Devon, and I am pleased to see we are well above national average for GP satisfaction across Devon.
"Our Devon GP practices have performed incredibly well considering the extreme challenges they continue to face. The current demand for GP appointments is way above that seen at pre-pandemic levels, and there has been significant growth in the appointments that are now offered to patients."
Overall, Devon's strong performance in the National GP Patient Survey underscores the efforts made to deliver satisfactory healthcare services to its residents. The dedication of its healthcare professionals and their focus on patient satisfaction have contributed to the region's success in healthcare provision.
