Opinions about services sought

New surveys have been launched to gauge public opinion on two essential services: GP practices and Lincolnshire Police.

NHS England has created a survey asking more than two million people to give their opinions on their local GP surgery.

The results are published online at the website https://www.gp-patient.co.uk

Here, you can search for your surgery to see how it has been judged.

The survey responses provide detailed information about the range of ways people interact with primary care staff and how good that experience is, the NHS said.

It plays a key role in helping the NHS to understand what’s working and what needs to be improved.

David Levy, Medical Director for NHS England Midlands and East, said today: “The NHS’s GP Patient Survey asks not just about the care provided by doctors, but also about seeing other healthcare professionals such as on-site pharmacists, mental health specialists and practice nurses.

“What people tell us helps us understand the impact of recent developments in primary care, such as extended opening hours, the recruitment of more primary care staff, and new ways of working, which were carried out in response to what patients said in previous years’ surveys.

“Information is handled securely and no-one is identified when the findings are published.”

More than two million people from 7,000 practices across England are randomly chosen to take part in the survey. They will receive a letter over the next few weeks, along with a questionnaire.

The survey can be completed by post or online until the end of March and there is a range of options to make it more inclusive for people who need support to help them take part.

Patients who are not invited to take part in this year’s survey can still provide useful feedback to their GP practice teams by filling in a Friends and Family Test (FFT) form at their practice any time.

Similarly, Lincolnshire Police is trying to collate up to date information from the public with its Lincolnshire Crime and Policing survey.

The survey is open to everyone and will be available to complete until Wednesday, January 16.

A police spokesman said: “This survey aims to ensure that the views and priorities of the people and communities of Lincolnshire are reflected in the way our great county is policed.”

A similar survey was run in 2018.

“Last year nearly 3,000 residents participated in the inaugural survey and the findings informed the implementation of several new initiatives,” a spokesman added.

To participate in this year’s survey, please click on the link below, it should take no more than ten minutes of your time: https://lincolnshirecrimeandpolicingsurvey2018.questionpro.com