MEDICAL practices in the Bradford district have responded to figures showing how many appointments were held with GPs across the country during October.

According to NHS data, three Bradford surgeries were among those with the fewest appointments with GPs. 

None of the nearly 2,500 appointments at Addingham Surgery were with a GP - the lowest in the country - a Mail Online article reported. 

Some appointments do not need to be with a GP and can be carried out by other trained staff. 

A spokesperson for Addingham Surgery said: "We are aware of the report and understand it is not correct.

“The information NHS Digital uses to extract the data does not align with how the practice codes face-to-face appointments.

“Now we are aware, we will be changing the coding of the appointments which will change the data significantly going forward.”

The Mail reported Picton Medical Centre in Manningham ranked seventh for having the fewest appointments with a GP – with a rate of 5.0 per cent – and Wibsey and Queensbury Medical Practice ranked eighth at 5.1 per cent.

A spokesperson from Wibsey and Queensbury Medical Practice told the Telegraph & Argus: “Most appointments we offer have been missed due to the methodology – the system is unable to identify appointments as a result of the coding system we use.

“We offer many appointments with excellent advanced practitioners.

"None of these appointments have been included in the figures.

“GPs work alongside advanced practitioners to provide immediate support whilst also dealing with more complex problems, such as the terminally ill.

“As a result of this, along with the flexibility of digital and telephone access, we are now successfully dealing with far more patient demand than ever before.

“In an era of falling GP numbers, we are providing a safe and workable solution.”

Picton Medical Practice was also approached for comment, but did not respond by the time of going to press.

Nancy O’Neill, Deputy Chief Officer and Strategic Director of Transformation and Change at Bradford District & Craven Health and Care Partnership, said: “We understand that people want to receive support as quickly as possible.

"Our GP practices continue to work exceptionally hard to provide more appointments.

“In October, 415,985 appointments were delivered across Bradford and Craven, an increase of 25,991 on last year and over 25,466 on pre-pandemic levels.

“The GP Appointments Data Dashboard only measures appointments and is not an indication of practice quality or patient care.”