Top spot for seeing doc

10:55am Saturday 2nd August 2008

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PATIENTS have given GP services in Dorset a glowing thumbs-up in a new national healthcare survey.

Dorset Primary Care Trust (PCT) was named among the best trusts in the country when it comes to seeing a doctor.

The trust received its highest scores for county GPs listening carefully to patients and clearly explaining reasons for treatment.

But it fared less well in other areas - including health promotion - and trust chiefs say there is still room for improvement.

The major survey of primary care services was co-ordinated for the Healthcare Commission by the Picker Institute Europe.

More than 69,000 patients across England and Wales were asked about their experiences with GP practices, health centres and dental access.

It covered topics such as access to appointments, waiting times and patients' relationships with NHS staff.

Dorset PCT, which covers the same geographical area as the county council, was named among the best performing 20 per cent of trusts in the country for many GP services.

County doctors were praised for giving lengthy consultations, involving patients in decisions, answering queries clearly and treating people with respect and dignity.

Dorset GP services also received high scores for short waiting times, receptionist courtesy, referrals and use of medicines.

Overall, patients in the county said they were completely satisfied with care in GP services and health centres.

Dorset PCT deputy director of commissioning Nikki Osborne welcomed the study's findings.

"We are very pleased with the results of this survey, which compare favourably with last year's," she said.

"The care provided by our GPs is second to none and this official feedback from patients confirms this."

Despite the results, the PCT was also named among the worst performing 20 per cent of trusts nationwide in some health promotion areas, including encouraging a healthy diet.

Mrs Osborne added: "Generally, the PCT has done extremely well in this survey and we would like to congratulate our practices on these results.

"There are areas, such as health promotion, that have not scored so highly, although we are still above the average.

"We will be looking closely at the information provided in this survey to see how the PCT can improve further the range and quality of primary care services we provide."

The fourth national survey, which involved 152 trusts, showed patients are increasingly positive about local health services - but access to doctors and dentists remains an issue.