LESS than half of patients said that they were able to see their preferred GP in Bolton and just over one in five patients had to wait a week or more for an appointment.

More than half of patients said they had a GP they preferred to speak to but only 48 per cent — said they saw or spoke to them “always or almost always”, or “a lot of the time”. This was mirrored nationally.

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Overall in Bolton an analysis of the results of the year’s GP Patient Survey reveals:

- 71 per cent of respondents said they had a good experience in making an appointment, 43 per cent said they would like to have the appointment on the same day

- 69 per cent were satisfied with appointment times

-75 per cent said they were satisfied with the appointment they were offered

- Less than a third — 31 per cent — were seen on the same day, slightly lower than than the national average of 32.6 per cent

- Just over one in five -22per cent -patients had to wait a week or more.

- 72 per cent waited 15 minutes or less after their appointment to see a healthcare specialist and 28 per cent waited more than 15 minutes.

- 87 per cent said they were given enough time to explain their issue

- 88 per cent said those treated them were good at treating them with care and compassion.

- More than nine out of ten patients — 96 per cent — said that they had trust and confidence in the healthcare professional they spoke to.

- 29 per cent went to A&E when the surgery was closed. Nationally that figure stood at 36.6 per cent. 12 per cent went to see a pharmacist.

-76 per cent said it was easy to get to their practice on the phone, -90 per cent said receptionists were helpful.

-56 per cent said there was a GP they prefer to see or speak to.

-95 per cent said their needs were met