The best and worst GP surgeries in South Tyneside have been revealed after patients had their say in a national survey – here’s what they said.

GPs across the country have been rated following the independent GP Patient Survey, which saw patients answer questions based on their experience.

The survey asked patients questions based on their experience at their last appointed.

Questions ranged from whether a patient had a good overall experience to how helpful the receptionist was.

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Just 62 percent of patients at one South Tyneside GP surgery had a “good overall experience” while another received a 93 percent.

Which surgery was the worst in South Tyneside?

The worst GP surgery in South Tyneside was Mayfield Medical Group, part of South Tyneside West PCN with just 62 percent of patients having a “good overall experience” at the surgery.

The Northern Echo: Mayfield Medical GroupMayfield Medical Group

Just 26 percent of patients found it easy to get through on the phone with just 76 percent finding the receptionists helpful.

The lowest score the surgery received was just a nine percent of people who were usually able to see their preferred GP.

A spokesperson for Mayfield Medical Group said: "We understand our patients' concerns, and having identified the causes, have already taken steps to remedy the situation. 

"We acknowledge the frustrations in accessing appointments. The practice has had a difficult time with staff shortages. When this survey was carried we had significant gaps due to Covid-related absences, but have worked hard and have recruited several new members of staff since January. 

"Our doctors, nurses and supporting staff are incredibly dedicated, with patients expressing confidence and trust in the staff they see at the surgery. Our strengths have been confirmed by excellent achievement for our management of long-term conditions through our Year of Care programme."

"Patient feedback is welcome, and is always taken seriously."

Coming in close behind is Victoria Medical Centre with, again, just 62 percent of patients having a “good overall experience.”

The Northern Echo: Victoria Medical CentreVictoria Medical Centre

A sticking point for many was that 78 percent of patients felt they were treated with care and concern.

Just 79 percent found that their GP listened to them.

Which surgery was the best in South Tyneside?

However, the best GP surgery in South Tyneside was Whitburn Surgery, part of South Tyneside South PCN, with 93 percent of patients having a “good overall experience.”

The Northern Echo: Whitburn SurgeryWhitburn Surgery

99 percent of patients had confidence and trust in healthcare professionals and 98 percent of patients were involved as much as they wanted to be in decisions about care and treatment.

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Along with that just 34 percent of appointments were remote, with 97 percent of patients finding their GP had listened to them.

The G.P Suite came in second place with 91 percent with 97 percent of patients being involved as much as wanted to be in decisions about care and treatment.

The Northern Echo:

David Gallagher, executive director of place based delivery for the NHS's North East and North Cumbrian Integrated Care Board, said: "We are always keen to learn from patient voices, and the survey provides useful feedback for us in the NHS.

"It can sometimes be frustrating when we have to wait longer than we would like, but practices are still working exceptionally hard dealing with the long-term impact of Covid-19, as well as growing and more complex demand for services.

"We work closely with practices in South Tyneside to ensure that patients can rely on high quality and safe services, and we are always working to improve primary care where we can.

"Practices have recently created a range of new jobs including podiatrists, physios and social prescribers who help patients with the wider causes of ill health. All these skilled staff will help improve the patient experience and enable GPs to focus more on the most pressing cases requiring medical attention.

"Practices have also made major progress in rolling out annual checks for people with learning disabilities, which makes a big difference to their health.

"If you have any concerns about the service you receive, please speak with your practice in the first instance."

Find out where your surgery ranked on the list below:

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