GP service ranks highly

2:03pm Tuesday 5th August 2008

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Doctors' surgeries in Wiltshire are ranked among the top 20 in the country in the latest survey carried out by the Healthcare Commision.

Patients praised their GPs for listening to them and the majority said they were given enough time, were treated with dignity and respect and had confidence and trust in their doctor.

Most questioned felt they were involved in their care, were happy with the advice they were given and were satisfied with the waiting times and telephone access to their surgery.

Practice opening times were also in line with expectations and most patients had found they were able to make an appointment to see their doctor more than three days in advance.

However, there were mixed views on dental care in Wiltshire.

Although most patients have been able to find an NHS dentist, many reported they were not able to visit them as often as they would like.

The PCT says it will now look at the results of the survey, which was part of a national study of health services.

"One of the consistently strong messages coming through is that patients really value the time they have with their GP," said GP Dr Ken Clark, who chairs Wiltshire PCT's professional executive committee.

"We are really pleased with these results. We will take a close look at them to see where we can make further improvements and achieve even better scores next year."