Patient Survey Oct 2024
In October 2024, volunteer patients from both Newton Place Surgery and Faversham Medical Practice did a street survey in the town, asking local people what they thought about their GP practice.
The results show that patients generally felt staff at both practices were friendly, kind and professional. Many understood GPs are very busy, with lots of new housing being built around the town. Most patients said they liked the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC).
However, there were things that patients felt needed improvement. The biggest problem was trying to make a GP appointment, whether in person or by phone. Some appointments are offered weeks ahead.
Key issues identified by the survey
- A general shortage of GP appointments.
- Difficult GP appointment systems. Patients from both practices said that getting an appointment needs to be much simpler and fairer.
- Many wanted to be able to ask for an appointment with a particular GP.
- A lack of regular health checks was identified as an issue for many.
- Patients had very mixed views about the ‘E-Consult system’. This is a national online system. Patients answer a series of questions online about their health problem for their GP to respond to.
- Patients often left the GP’s not being clear what would happen next.
Other issues raised
- Feeling rushed during appointments, doctors appearing not to listen.
- A lack of privacy and suitability of the reception areas.
- A shortage of late night and weekend appointments.
221 people completed the survey, filling it in by hand. The survey was anonymous (ie without names} and asked a total of 18 questions. We also received hundreds of comments.
Copies of the full report are available at Newton Place Surgery reception.
