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Search forPatients praise GPs but want more dentists
Friday, August 01, 2008, 08:00
But access to dental services is a long way from satisfactory.
These are the results from a Healthcare Commission poll of 500 people in the county between January and April.
The survey revealed that patients are happy with waiting times to see their GP and levels of satisfaction with the care and services on offer is high.
Doctors listen to patients, spend the necessary time with them and explain treatment options properly.
Confidence in doctors is among the highest in the UK.
GP practices are clean and most patients who responded to the survey were happy with the opening times of their surgeries.
Surgeries are also good at taking blood pressure, giving advice on weight and exercise, advice on giving up smoking and sensible alcohol intake.
But patients have complained about the lack of choice about which hospital they are referred to by their GP and the time taken to get an appointment with another health professional at their surgery.
Many patients said they were not able to visit a dentist regularly as an NHS patient .
This response drops Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust into the bottom 20 per cent of trusts nationally in terms of its recognised progress in this area.
Despite concerns, the Trust says that three new dental practices will be opening in Lydney, Cirencester and Tewkesbury with 11 more dentists towards the end of the year.
Jan Stubbings, chief executive of Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust, said: “These results show that, overall, patients in Gloucestershire are very positive about the care and treatment they receive in primary care, which is testament to the work of staff in practices and health centres.
“We will use the results to build on the excellent care already given to patients and respond to any concerns raised.
“The PCT remains committed to working with local GPs and practice teams to plan for the future and provide the very best care and access to services for patients.
“We recognise that NHS dentistry is a key priority for local people and we will be investing significant extra funds this year.”
Dr Tony Walsh, chairman of the Professional Executive Committee and Tetbury GP, said: “These are encouraging results that reinforce the quality of care provided in GP surgeries.”
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