A top Suffolk doctor has praised GPs in the east of the county for continuing to achieve strong quality and safety ratings in the face of “unprecedented demand”.
Out of 40 surgeries in Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) area, the Care Quality Commission has rated 37 as good, two as outstanding and one as requiring improvement.
Dr Mark Shenton, a GP in Stowmarket and chairman of the CCG, said: “It is well known that GP practices are experiencing a period of unprecedented demand for services, as well difficulty in recruiting staff and severe financial challenges.
“Our GPs and practice staff are facing up to these pressures, showing a real commitment to their patients and a determination to do their very best so that east Suffolk people can access some of the safest and highest quality primary care services in the country.”
Dr Shenton also urged patients to utilise resources like the 111 NHS non-emergency phone line and pharmacies for advice to reduce pressure on GPs.
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