PATIENTS in Knutsford and Wilmslow say their GP practices are among the best in the country, according to a new survey.

The results of the GP Patient Survey 2018 have been revealed – and all nine practices across the area have been rated as better than the national average by those who took part.

Patients from across England were sent questionnaires to take part in the GP Patient Survey between January and March, and 1,014 patients from Knutsford and Wilmslow responded.

Chelford Surgery was ranked as the best practice in east Cheshire, with 99 per cent of respondents rating their overall experience there as ‘good’.

The Health Centre, in Holmes Chapel, was the lowest-ranked practice at 85 per cent – but this was still above the national average of 84 per cent.

Dr Paul Bowen, clinical chairman of NHS Eastern Cheshire clinical commissioning group, said: “The GP Patient Survey offers general practice an invaluable insight into patient satisfaction.

“By identifying good practice, the survey enhances team morale and encourages further innovation. Where patient satisfaction is lower, the survey highlights opportunities for improvement.

“Here in Eastern Cheshire, patient satisfaction is consistently high in line with the Care Quality Commission ratings of all 22 practices as being good or outstanding.”

The survey evaluates each GP practice on patients’ experience of making appointments, waiting times, perceptions of care at appointments, practice opening hours, and out-of-hours services.

At Chelford Surgery, 90 per cent of respondents were satisfied with their experience of making an appointment, while 98 per cent said they found it easy to get hold of someone on the phone.

However, Dr Jonathan Griffiths, chairman of NHS joint commissioning committee for Cheshire, has previously criticised the GP Patient Survey.

In a post on his blog called Best and Worst?, the Winsford GP said: “While I understand that people want information about the kind of service they can expect to receive in any one particular surgery compared to others in the town, you need to remember that it can be like comparing apples with oranges.

“The geographical location of each practice along with quirky historical preferences by patients means that every practice has a unique demographic make-up. The ability of the practice to meet the needs and expectations of the population it serves therefore varies considerably.”

The overall results for Knutsford and Wilmslow:

• Chelford – 99 per cent

• Kenmore – 98 per cent

• Annandale – 96 per cent

• Alderley Edge – 95 per cent

• Handforth – 95 per cent

• Manchester Road – 94 per cent

• Toft Road – 89 per cent

• Wilmslow – 88 per cent

• Health Centre – 85 per cent