Patients are satisfied with their GP

Satisfaction with Dudley's GP services, covering everything from being able to get an appointment to opening hours, is relatively high, according to the findings of a national survey.

Copies of the GP Patient Survey were sent to 32,140 households in Dudley asking a variety of questions. Patients were asked about contacting the practice on the telephone, whether appointments are available within 48 hours and opportunities available to see a particular GP.

They were also asked about the ability to book a future appointment more than 48 hours in advance and opening hours.

Survey specialists MORI sent out five million questionnaires to households across the country on behalf of the Department of Health between January and March 2008. All households which received the questionnaire were selected at random.

The survey results are used to trigger reward payments to practices meeting the national standards and to give the public an idea of how their local surgery is improving compared with other practices.

It is also intended to help the individual GP practices and Primary Care Trust's improve the service they offer to the public.

It showed 89 per cent are happy with telephone access and ability to get an appointment compared to 87 per cent nationally for both, 80 per cent compared to 77 per cent nationally were able to easily book future appointments, 89 per cent were able to request a GP compared to 88 per cent nationally and 85 per cent compared to 82 per cent are happy with their practice's opening hours.

Mark Cooke, chief executive of Dudley PCT, said: "We are delighted to have received such positive results locally and would like to thank the GPs in Dudley for their continued commitment to improving patient access and care."