GP surgeries in Glastonbury and Street have received a range of feedback in the latest NHS England GP Patient Survey for 2024.

This year's survey saw three-quarters (73.9%) of patients rating their overall experience with their GP practice as 'good' nationally. The survey, conducted between January and March 2024, provides significant insight into patient satisfaction across the country.

At Glastonbury Surgery, 79.8% of patients reported a positive experience. However, 9.6% of patients indicated dissatisfaction. Glastonbury Health Centre on Wells Road, meanwhile, reported lower overall satisfaction, with 70.3% of patients having a positive experience and 15.3% expressing dissatisfaction. These figures highlight both strengths and areas for improvement within these local services.

The Vine Surgery Partnership in Street performed better, with 81.2% of patients reporting a positive experience. However, 7% of patients did not share this view. Like many practices, the Vine Surgery is praised for its accessibility and responsiveness, though challenges remain in providing consistent appointment availability with preferred GPs.

The 2024 survey also revealed that 89.9% of patients felt their needs were met at their last GP appointment, and 92.3% had confidence and trust in the healthcare professional they saw. However, as the survey has been redeveloped to reflect how primary care is delivered, comparisons with previous years are not possible, according to the survey's authors. Last year, only 71.3% of patients across the country reported a 'good overall experience' with their GP practice, the lowest satisfaction rating in six years.

An NHS England spokesperson commented: "NHS staff have worked incredibly hard to cope with increased demand for patient care, but this survey makes it clear there is much more to do to improve patient's satisfaction and experience in accessing primary care services. We look forward to working with the Government to tackle the issues that matter most to patients, which includes better supporting patients with long term conditions, improving continuity of care, particularly for those that need it most, and making it easier for people to contact their GP."

The survey also found that 64% of patients were seen face-to-face at their last GP appointment, a statistic that underscores the ongoing recovery in in-person care post-pandemic.