A recent survey of NHS patients has revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the quality of service provided by GP practices. Out of 650,000 patients surveyed in England, one in 10 rated their experience as “poor” or “very poor,” although this marks a slight improvement from the previous year’s 13% poor rating.
Despite these findings, only one in seven patients rated their GP practices as “good.” The Mirror has analyzed the survey data, allowing individuals to compare how their local GP practice fares in comparison.
The annual NHS patient survey collects feedback on various aspects of care, including overall experience, ease of contacting the surgery, and trust in GPs. Results from the latest survey conducted between January and March indicate a rise in satisfaction with GP services under Labour, with 76.7% of patients rating their experience as “good” in 2026, an increase from 73.9% in the previous year.
The survey also highlighted a significant increase in online interactions with GP practices, with 30.8% of patients using online contact options, nearly double the percentage from 2024. This shift follows Labour’s initiative to implement online booking systems, aiming to streamline access and reduce phone line congestion.
Health Secretary James Murray commended NHS staff for their efforts in improving patient care, emphasizing ongoing investments and reforms to reduce waiting times and enhance overall care quality.
The survey indicated high levels of patient confidence in healthcare professionals, with 93% expressing trust in their GPs or other professionals at their surgeries. Most patients felt they were treated with care and concern (86%) and listened to (87%).
However, some concerns remain, as only 69% of patients felt the wait time for appointments was acceptable, while 31% deemed it too long. Healthwatch England’s Will Pett emphasized the need for additional support and resources to address access challenges faced by GP teams, citing feedback highlighting issues related to appointment booking and lack of choice in scheduling.
Pett stressed the importance of hiring more staff to aid in appointment management, referrals, and prescription services, as well as ensuring round-the-clock availability of online services to better meet patient needs.