WINSFORD and Middlewich’s best and worst GP surgeries, as rated by patients, have been revealed.

Patients in England were sent questionnaires to take part in the GP Patient Survey between January and March, and 664 patients from the two towns responded.

Launceston Close Surgery has been ranked as the best practice in Winsford or Middlewich, with 96 per cent of patients who responded saying they have a good overall experience – above the national average of 84 per cent.

Meanwhile, Waters Edge received the lowest ranking out of the towns’ GP practices, with 76 per cent of respondents saying they have a ‘good experience’ with the surgery.

A spokesman at NHS Vale Royal and South Cheshire clinical commissioning groups said: “The GP patient survey is one of many tools that we use to monitor patient experience and access to GP services.

“The survey reinforces that patients trust GP services to deliver quality care.

“We are working closely with practices to explore new technologies that make it a lot easier for patients to book appointments and prescriptions online with their practice, and support extended access to GP appointments.”

The survey evaluates each GP practice on patients’ experience of making appointments, waiting times, perceptions of care at appointments, practice opening hours, and out-of-hours services.

At Launceston Close, 90 per cent of respondents were satisfied with their experience of making an appointment.

However, Dr Jonathan Griffiths, chairman of NHS Vale Royal CCG, has previously criticised the GP Patient Survey.

 

In a post on his blog called Best and Worst?, the Swanlow GP said: “While I understand that people want information about the kind of service they can expect to receive in any one particular surgery compared to others in the town, you need to remember that it can be like comparing apples with oranges.

“The geographical location of each practice along with quirky historical preferences by patients means that every practice has a unique demographic make-up. The ability of the practice to meet the needs and expectations of the population it serves therefore varies considerably.”

The overall GP Patient Survey 2018 results for Winsford and Middlewich:

• Launceston Close – 96 per cent

• Weaver Vale – 95 per cent

• Oaklands – 93 per cent

• Swanlow – 93 per cent

• Willow Wood – 88 per cent

• High Street – 80 per cent

• Waters Edge – 76 per cent