In the summer of 2013 the Department of Health carried out a substantial survey, co-ordinated by Ipsos MORI, of over 8,000 patients, who were given the opportunity comment on the services received from their GP and their overall satisfaction with their GP Practice. The results were extremely positive; showing that over 80% of patients would recommend their GP Practice to friends and family. In six of the Island’s GP Practices, this figure increased to over 90%.
Minister for Health, Hon Howard Quayle MHK said: “The Department constantly seeks feedback across the wide variety of services we offer. This survey is one of many checks that the Department carries out in relation to services, performance and quality of care delivered by our GP Practices. It is reassuring to know, through the positive survey results, that overall GP Practices on the Island compare favourably with a similar survey carried out across England at the same time. The Department will be reviewing the results with GP Practices to ensure that we can continue to improve services to patients.”
The survey looked at areas such as making appointments, GP care, nursing care, overall satisfaction with the GP Practice, and whether the patient would recommend their Practice to friends and family.
Dave Kissack, External Commissioned Services Manager, said: “Thank you to all the members of the public that took part by returning a completed survey. The results help the Department to compare, enhance and improve services provided through our GP Practices. Of particular note, there were three Practices that had results putting them in the top 10% of Practices across England. Well done to Ballasalla Medical Centre, Snaefell Surgery and Promenade Medical Centre. The full results are testament to the hard work and dedication by the staff of all our GP Practices.”
The survey asked about GP care and nursing care, such as whether the GP or nurse gave enough time to the patient, whether the patient felt listened to and cared for, whether the GP or nurse explained the treatment, care and diagnosis clearly, at a level the patient could understand, and the level of overall confidence the patient had in their GP or nurse.
Further questions asked about how easy was it to get through to the Practice by phone, how helpful the receptionist staff were and the availability of a convenient appointment.
The results from this survey can be accessed here and in detail on the Department’s iHub at www.gov.im/health/ihubportal.xml
