Patients voice concern over GP access

GP leaders in Scotland have warned that urgent action is needed on recruitment and retention following the results of the latest patient survey. The Health and Care Experience Survey 2015/16, published on 17 May, shows that, while patients were overwhelmingly positive about the care and treatment they received, they were less happy about access. Although positive ratings for getting to see a GP remained high (at 71 per cent) and fell just one percentage point compared to the previous year, this marks a 10 per cent fall from the 2009-10 figure of 81 per cent. Alan McDevitt (pictured), chair of the SGPC, said the trend was worrying. ‘The findings of this latest survey show that in the vast majority of cases, patients highly value the quality of care that they receive from their GP practices. ‘What is concerning though is that the rating for accessing a GP has dropped by 10 per cent in the last six years. With a recent BMA survey showing that one in four practices had a vacant medical position, it is likely that this figure reflects the increasingly severe recruitment and retention problems in general practice.'   Shortage Dr McDevitt added: ‘If we are to ensure that people across Scotland are able to continue accessing high-quality GP services, it remains essential for the new Scottish Government to continue work with the BMA to address the shortage of GPs in Scotland.’ A Scottish Government spokesperson said the positive ratings for GP surger...
Source: BMA News - Category: UK Health Source Type: news