PEOPLE in the North-East enjoy the shortest wait to see their doctors than patients anywhere else in the entire country.

New figures reveal that Durham, Darlington and Tees are at the top of the national league the areas when it comes to waiting time in GPs surgeries.

Almost three-quarters of their patients – some 71 per cent - waited for less than 15 minutes before their appointment, according to a new analysis of data from NHS England’s GP Patient Survey by older people’s charity, Independent Age.

The figures were also good news for North Yorkshire - which came out on top in several areas, including the best overall experience with almost nine in 10 rating their GP surgery good or very good.

Patients in North Yorkshire were also the most likely to be able to get through to their GP surgery on the phone and felt that during their appointment with the GP they were given enough time.

Almost 90 percent of patients in North Yorkshire also rated their GP good or very good at listening while 85 per cent felt they were treated with care and concern.

The analysis, which looked at all age groups, was carried out in support of a new “Wise Guide” issued by the charity.

Called “Your health and the NHS”, it provides advice to patients about how to get the NHS care they need as they grow older.

The charity’s director of policy and external relations, Simon Bottery, said it was “fantastic” that patients across the region felt they were getting such a good service from their GPs.

“We’d like all patients to be happy with their GP services and with the service they’re getting from the NHS in general, especially older people, who are the greatest users of the NHS.

“That’s why we are launching our new guide - to help older people navigate the NHS and get the care they need.”

The free guide can be ordered by calling Freephone 0800 319 6789 or online at independentage.org. It is also available to download for free via the Independent Age website.