Welsh GP surgeries face access award scheme

Date: 04/01/2012

Ensuring patients who call 0300 numbers speak directly to a member of staff is one way GP surgeries in Wales could boost their customer service.

The Aneurin Bevan Community Health Council has called for practices to be ranked in a scheme similar to the food hygiene rating scores on the doors initiative, according to Wales Online.

So far, 91 surgeries in south-east Wales have signed up to the assessment system, with each awarded an A every time they meet one of five key targets.

These include, ensuring telephone access to an employee rather than a recorded message between 08:00 GMT and 18:30 GMT, as well as patients being able to book an appointment in one call.

Catherine O'Sullivan, chief officer at the council, said: "If we are to keep the NHS thriving and surviving then everyone needs to make sure access is as easy as possible for patients."

The news comes after the Bath Chronicle recently reported that two medical centres in the city have been praised for their patient care.