Thousands of people across Bradford and Airedale are being urged to tell the NHS what they think about the services they receive from their local GP practice.
They are being asked to take part in the GP patient survey which asks them about the quality of care they receive from their GP surgeries and health centres.
The survey is part of the government’s commitment to make the NHS more responsive to patients’ needs.
About 50,000 patients across the district will be sent a questionnaire – half of the questionnaires will be sent out during July and the remainder will be delivered during January 2012.
A random selection of patients, chosen from each practice, will be sent a questionnaire and a freepost envelope to post it back.
The survey asks them about a range of issues, such as how easy or difficult it is for patients to make an appointment at their surgery; satisfaction with opening hours; the quality of care received from their GP and practice nurse; and other aspects of the service.
All responses, which will be kept confidential, will be used to help shape the development of health services in the future.
Dave Ross, head of patient experience at NHS Bradford and Airedale, said:
“This survey is an opportunity for patients to have their say about how well their GP practice is doing in providing services to patients. Even if people have filled in a questionnaire before, or haven’t visited their GP surgery recently, their views are still important to us.
“We hope that patients selected to take part will use this opportunity to feedback their opinions on these important issues – their views can help to improve local health services for the benefit of all communities.”
Any patients who do not receive a questionnaire, but would like to make a comment about GP services in Bradford and Airedale, can call the patient advice and liaison service (PALS) on 01274 237555.
For further information, please contact NHS Bradford and Airedale’s communications team on 01274 237719.
