Threefold ICS variation in GP phone access revealed
Patients trying to reach their GP are almost three times as likely to fail to get through in the worst-performing integrated care systems (ICS) than the best, according to analysis of new annual figures.
The data is from NHS England’s annual GP patient survey, which has a large sample size, and is considered one of the best measures of GP access and experience.
In Birmingham and Solihull and Black Country, 7% of patients said their calls went unanswered — significantly lower than the best-performing systems at 2%, and the national average of 4%.
Some more urban and racially diverse areas tended to do worse on key GP access measures – such as Birmingham, the Black Country, large parts of London, Greater Manchester, and Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes – although more rural patches like Northamptonshire and parts of the South West also have big problems.
NHSE said in a statement: “NHS staff have worked incredibly hard to cope with increased demand for patient care, but this survey makes it clear there is much more to do to improve patient’s satisfaction and experience in accessing primary care services.”
It will work with the government to “tackle the issues that matter most to patients” including long-term conditions, continuity of care and patient access, it added.
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Source: HSJ, 12 July 2024