Tackling problems with some GPs

I write in reference to the letter in last weeks paper ‘we must deal with the GP scandal now’.

I share many of the authors views – however there are some inaccuracies in the letter which need to be clarified.

It is certainly correct that the performance of some GPs is not a new issue. However many of our GPs do an excellent job, and I believe it is unfair to imply all are poor when the evidence simply does not support this claim.

GPs have experienced a 40% increase in demand as the pandemic has eased and are working under pressure. It is important to call out poor performance, but the statement that there is a problem with all Wokingham GPs is totally wrong.

The recent NHS patient experience survey ( available on the NHS website ) shows that four Wokingham GPs sit in the bottom 10% in the UK.

They are the Wokingham Medical Centre, The Loddon Vale Surgery, Twyford Surgery and Woosehill Practice.

The fact that five Wokingham Borough GP’s sit in the top 10% in the UK ( the Finchampstead Practice, Wargrave Practice, New Wokingham Road Surgery, Wilderness Practice and Burmah Hill Practice ) shows this is not a national issue and is based on issues with these four practices.

It is unacceptable that our residents should endure endless long phonecalls and second-rate service.

GPs are commissioned by the West Berkshire CCG. The ccg are responsible for the management and performance of GPs. Any resident who is unhappy with their GP should contact the CCG at: NHS Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group, 57-59 Bath Road, Reading, RG30 2BA, or send an email to: bwccg.bwpalscomplaints@nhs.net

WBC is concerned over the performance of these four practices and has raised this matter with the CCG.

We have also written to

James Kent, the head of ICS (the organisation that sites above the ccg and is responsible for its performance) asking for improvement plans for all four surgeries. We will continue to raise this matter until there is an adequate plan on the table to raise performance

The author seems to believe that the political make-up of the local council has an influence on this matter. However, the evidence publicly available contradicts this claim. If you look at the NHS survey you will see the same problem exists in Reading (which has a Labour council) and West Berkshire. If WBC had control or any influence over local GP performance this issue would have been dealt with years ago

We fully support the view that every resident who wants a faceto-face consultation with their GP should be able to have one. However it is possible to access NHS services without the need for a face to face meeting.

We will launch a publicity campaign next week to explain to residents other ways of accessing primary health care. However we also call the CCG to support our

GPs to move towards face-to-face appointments for all who want them.