| MP Promised Improvements Regarding GP Appointments |
| Wednesday, 05 December 2007 | |
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As a result of a wide ranging survey about residents health concerns, as well as direct contact with several local people, MP John Pugh has sought assurances from Sefton PCT that issues surrounding patients ability to book appointments with their local GP are being addressed. Although the general standard is good, some local surgeries perform poorly in regards to the rest of Sefton in terms of patients being able to book appointments in advance. Four surgeries failed to reach the regional average for the number of patients satisfied with their ability to book appointments in advance of two days; in the case of two surgeries less than 30% of patients were happy with the current system. (1) In light of this John received assurances from Sefton PCT Chief Executive Leigh Griffin that action was being taken. Surgeries will be alerted to the problems and expected to increase the number of slots available for patients wanting to book an appointment in advance - and thus avoid the "early morning rush" for appointments which the survey revealed was a significant concern. John Pugh commented: "I'm pleased that this issue is being looked at and encouraged to see that an issue identified as a problem by local people is now being dealt with." |