Annual GP survey results for Suffolk practices revealed

Most patients in Suffolk said they were satisfied with their surgery, but a few medical practices in the county were rated at lower than 60% in patient satisfaction in the results.

This was according to the annual GP Patient Survey, run by Ipsos on behalf of NHS England.

The survey takes in patients' thoughts around care, involvement in treatment, satisfaction with appointment offered and overall experience.

The lowest rated in the area was the Long Melford Practice at 54%, followed by Needham Market Country Practice at 55%, and Framlingham Medical Practice at 58% for overall satisfaction. 

The top two surgeries in Suffolk for patient satisfaction, rated at 94%, were Wickham Market Medical Centre and Bildeston Health Centre.

The survey also showed that Suffolk practices performed better than the national average in most question areas, with 75% in Suffolk and North East Essex saying their overall experience at their surgery was very good or good, compared with the national average of 71%.

Deben Road surgery is among the practices that make up Cardinal Medical Practice. (Image: Archant)

In Ipswich, 54% of patients at Cardinal Medical Practice - the largest in the town - said they were satisfied, the same as last year.

The top performing surgery in the Ipswich area was Ravenswood Medical Practice which scored 80% followed by Dr Solway and Dr Mallick Practice (77%) and Two Rivers Medical Centre (76%). 

Two GPs in the Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board spoke of the current pressures facing surgeries.

Dr Nick Rayner is a GP in Newmarket. (Image: Supplied)

Dr Nick Rayner, a GP in Newmarket, said: “There’s never been so much pressure on our GP practices, with ongoing recruitment issues and ever-increasing demand making for a challenging environment.

“Yet, our GP practices are staffed by incredible, dedicated health professionals who continue to do their very best for their patients. GP practices are staffed by not only doctors and nurses but a wider general practice team who are all contributing so much to helping keep people physically well and mentally happy.

“We know too, though, that within these survey data there remains variation in levels of patient satisfaction, and we’ll continue to work with those practices who need any extra support.”

Dr Freda Bhatti. (Image: Newsquest)

Dr Freda Bhatti, a GP in Great Bentley, said: “As a working GP I congratulate my colleagues for their hard work and commitment despite the increasingly difficult environment in which they work with ever-increasing demand and lack of adequate resources. 

“I want to thank patients too for the support they give to staff. We know access is a problem and we at the ICB are working hard to resolve this but I am grateful to patients for recognising that the workforce are doing their best.”