Website allows patients to comment on local doctor's practice
Local GP practices can now be rated and compared online using a new NHS comparison service.
The GPs' listings show how many male and female doctors are at each practice, what sort of services are available and whether the practice is currently accepting new patients.
But as well as information on opening times and extra facilities offered by the GP practice, patients will now be able to read other people’s comments about:
Health Minister Mike O’Brien said: "This new tool allows every single GP practice in the country to see the patient’s view on what they are doing well and what needs to be improved.
"It will help drive up quality across the board, and is another step in ensuring we have a modern NHS which reflects the needs of the patient."
The service has also won the support of the Family Doctor Association. "Patient feedback on GP services is an effective way of driving up the standards of primary care even further," said the organisation's chairman Dr Peter Swinyard.
The NHS asks that people making comments keep them “truthful, constructive, civil and relevant” and say they will publish all comments as long as people stick to the rules. Those posting comments do not have to use their real names.
The new service is similar to the hospital comparison service launched over the summer. The hospital-rating service shows that 13 out of the 16 people who rated Hammersmith Hospital and 10 out of 18 people who rated Queen Charlotte's hospital would recommend them to a friend.
Georgina Ivors who was a patient at Hammersmith Hospital in April 2007 comments: “I have been in Hammersmith Hosiptal over the years, and I must say the care I got in that hosiptal was just great. I always tell people about Hammersmith Hospital. I have been in a few hospitals but this one has to be the best care I was given and I would like to say thank you to all the doctors and nurses and staff on the great work they do.”
James, who visited Queen Charlotte's Hospital in September 2009 for the birth of his son comments: “A near-faultless level of care, support and information throughout our stay. Without exception the staff were friendly, professional and, most importantly of all, extremely good at their jobs.”
Find and comment on local health services at NHS Choices
October 15, 2009