DoH launches expanded GP patient survey

The Department of Health has published guidelines for Strategic Health Authorities, Primary Care Trusts and GP practices to follow when undertaking the 2008-2009 patient survey. The new, expanded survey has been developed by Ipsos MORI and academics from the National Primary Care Research and Development Centre and the Peninsular Medical School. 5.5 million patients in England will be invited to take part in the survey between January and March 2009. Their responses will provide valuable information about patients’ experiences when they use local health services and will help to support delivery of NHS services that patients both need and want.

The 2008-2009 survey is a follow-up to the 2006-2007 survey, whose results led to an increase in access to GP appointments through investment in additional capacity and extended opening hours. The GP patient survey has therefore proved to be of real benefit to patients and its expansion reflects the NHS’s commitment to both listen to what patients have to say and act on the results. For more information, visit the DoH website.