THE results of a patient satisfaction survey of GP surgeries are a cause for genuine alarm in parts of the Bradford district.

And none more so than those controlled by the Bradford City Clinical Commissioning Group, which have polled the lowest patient satisfaction rates in the region with three out of ten respondents expressing dissatisfaction with their GP services.

Of the 27 surgeries within that CCG, only two achieved a rating above the national average.

HEALTH BOSSES ADMIT 'MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE' TO IMPROVE HOW SATISFIED PATIENTS ARE WITH GP PRACTICES IN BRADFORD

The figure for the 41 surgeries within the NHS Bradford Districts CCG, which covers areas including Bingley, Shipley, Saltaire, Heaton and Tong, was 81 per cent, the second lowest figure across the region.

By contrast, Airedale, Wharfedale, and Craven (AWC) CCG area, polled a satisfaction rate equal to the national average at 85 per cent.

The poor results in the City CCG might be partly explained by the fact that it also suffered the lowest patient response rate in the country, although that in itself also needs to be addressed so health chiefs get a clear a picture as possible of any issues which need tackling.

In response, they have ordered more customer care training for staff and encouraging surgeries to share examples of good practice.

The goal, they say, is to make every make each patient feel valued and at ease.

We all know the huge pressures the NHS is under but it cannot be acceptable that standards provided by GPs vary so much across our district under a health system that should be equal to all.

Solutions must be found.