PATIENTS have rated doctor surgeries across Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby as the best in the country for the third year running.

Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group (HRW CCG) said a GP patient survey found 95 per cent of 1,760 people asked said they were happy with the overall experience at their GP surgery, compared to a national average of 85 per cent.

When asked if their experience was very good, fairly good or worse, 60 per cent of people said it was very good - four per cent higher than anywhere else in the country.

In the 27 categories where patients could express an opinion, GPs in the HRW CCG came out top in the country in 19 areas, including in confidence and trust in their GP and practice nurse; appointment making; rating of GP involving patient in their care and in listening; and helpfulness of receptionists.

The survey also asked people about their experiences of their local GP surgery and other local NHS services, asking questions 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 and the quality of care received from their GP and practice nurses.

The GP Patient Survey is an independent survey run by Ipsos MORI on behalf of NHS England. The survey is sent out to more than 2.6 million people across the UK, and the results show how people feel about their GP practice.

There are 22 GP practices in Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby, serving a population of around 142,000 people.

Dr Vicky Pleydell, local GP and clinical chief officer of HRW CCG, said: “We are really pleased with what members of the public have said - thank you to those people who took the time to complete the survey.

“Our local GPs and their practice staff can be rightly proud of these results, and it is testament to their hard work and commitment that the responses are so positive. Our GPs are doing very well to respond to patient need while under pressure, as is the case across the country.

“These survey results provide very useful insight into where we are performing well and where issues may arise. They are really useful and complement the ongoing analysis and engagement work we carry out all year round to understand our patients’ needs.”