SOUTHPORT, is it easy to get in to your GP practice?

Getting to see your GP

Do you get an appointment to see your GP at a time you want? Is it easy to get in to your GP practice?

Healthwatch Sefton, the local health and care consumer champion, wants to hear from local residents about what is working well and what improvements are needed to benefit both patients and GP practices in Bootle and central Southport.

Wendy Andersen, Engagement Manager for Healthwatch Sefton, explained: “From talking with our Community Champions and feedback from local residents, we have found that getting to see your GP is a common theme. Together with Sarah Oldnall, our Bootle Locality Representative, we are working in partnership with NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group looking specifically at what people think of their GP in Bootle.”

In order to capture people’s feedback, the team will be visiting local community groups in Bootle and there is an online survey for people to complete.

The team has also organised a series of announced Enter and View visits in central Southport GP practices to engage with patients to hear their views.

Jan Leonard, director of commissioning and redesign at NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “The CCGs are committed to listening to patients and we value the feedback and suggestions given.

“By hearing what patients think, we can look at working with practices to see where improvements can be made, so I’d encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”

People have already started to complete a survey on the subject and this will form part of a report looking at GP access in the area. All responses will be anonymous.

Anyone wishing to take part in the survey on Bootle GP practices can access it via:https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GPAccess1

For more information about the survey contact the Healthwatch Sefton team on 0800 206 1304 or email: info@healthwatchsefton.co.uk