'I've got bowel cancer and I'm still waiting': Walsall locals react over town having highest number of GP surgeries

The finding comes from research carried out by Health Connect Global, which supports the new Growing Old Index published by The Sunday Times. The index ranks the healthiest and happiest places to retire in England based on factors such as life expectancy, GP provision, A&E waiting times, referral times, care home availability and happiness scores.

Although Walsall did not place in the top ten overall, it received a special mention for having the highest number of GP surgeries per 100,000 people in England.

Watch the video as we hit the streets of Walsall to ask locals

Despite the figures, some locals say they are still facing long waits for appointments and referrals, with one patient claiming it took nearly three months to be referred after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Members of the Birtcher family from Bloxwich said more surgeries should benefit the community, particularly older residents, but that getting appointments can still be difficult.

“I mean it’s a good thing. It’s a good option for the community, especially with the older generation,” they said. “But it would be nice to actually get appointments. Getting one can be a bit of a nightmare.”

They added that waiting times for referrals can still be long.

Read more:  Black Country neighbourhood named among best places to retire in England, according to The Times

“I’ve got bowel cancer and it took nearly three months just to get a referral from a GP,” they said. “My appointment was mentioned two weeks ago and I’m still waiting.”

Despite the frustrations, they said their regular GP surgery had been supportive and family-friendly, particularly for parents with young children.

“We do owe a lot to our regular GP. They’re very family friendly and a lot of people with young children always praise the GP they’ve got.”

However, Ken Bradley, 64, from West Bromwich, said the quality of care matters more than the number of surgeries available.

“I’d rather have quality than quantity,” he said. “My experience with my doctor wasn’t very good to be quite honest. It felt like he couldn’t wait to get you out the door.”

He said being a doctor should involve listening carefully to patients.

“A lot of it is talking and trying to find out what the problem is. But to me, he never seemed to have time for anybody.”

Others highlighted how accessing appointments has changed in recent years.

Samuel Ramsey, 89, from Walsall, said the shift to online booking systems can be difficult for older patients.

“It used to be easier because you could just walk in and get an appointment,” he said. “Nowadays you’ve more or less got to go online, which is difficult for older people. It’s alright for the younger people who grew up with the system.”

Some residents said they rarely need to visit their GP. Steven, 65, from Walsall, said he tends to avoid going unless it is necessary.

Meanwhile, Rose, 55, and Yvonne, 49, both from Wednesbury, said they felt patients sometimes have to wait before they can secure an appointment.

Not everyone shared the same concerns. John Hickman, 76, from Delves, said he had always had positive experiences with his local surgery.

“I think it’s very good. I’ve never had any problems with my surgery,” he said.

Tisi from Walsall and Janice from Caldmore also welcomed the news of more GP surgeries in the area, saying additional doctors could help the community overall.

The full Growing Old Index from The Sunday Times is available to view online.