Concern about access to GPs continues to be one of the most common issues people raise with Healthwatch Wolverhampton. National and local evidence underscores the challenges people face when booking a GP appointment, including the use of digital technology, GP phone systems, long waiting times, and limited face-to-face appointments.
Healthwatch Wolverhampton has previously investigated how easy it is for people to access GP services by phone, regularly reporting to the NHS in Wolverhampton to support improvements to GP phone booking systems.
As patients are increasingly encouraged to book appointments online, Healthwatch Wolverhampton is expanding its investigation to evaluate people’s experiences of booking appointments on GP websites.
They want to find out if you use your GP website to book appointments, with your GP and other health professionals. If you don’t, they’d like to understand why? If you do, they want to know how you book appointments online, what you like about the process, and whether you think there are things that could be done differently to make it easier to get the care you need.
Your feedback drives change
Good access to GP services is an important measure of the quality of care being provided locally. Your feedback will help Healthwatch Wolverhampton identify the strengths and weaknesses in current GP website booking processes. They will use this insight to inform those responsible for GP services in Wolverhampton how to make it easier for you to get the care you need.
It’s easy to share your views
Complete the confidential Healthwatch Wolverhampton survey by 13 November 2023, to share your experiences and insights. Visit healthwatchwolverhampton.co.uk to feedback online, or if you prefer a paper copy or want to share your thoughts over the phone, call Freephone 0800 246 5018.
In addition to the survey, Healthwatch Wolverhampton will be talking to people at community events and venues to gather diverse perspectives from across the city.
Read Healthwatch Wolverhampton’s previous reports evaluating GP phone booking systems and advising of improvements to patient access and experience.