The 2024 NHS England GP Patient Survey has revealed varied feedback for Wells' GP practices, offering a glimpse into the satisfaction levels of local healthcare.

Conducted between January and March 2024, the survey found that 73.9% of patients across the country rated their overall experience with their GP practice as 'good'. For Wells, the survey provided detailed insights into general practice services.

Wells Health Centre on Glastonbury Road performed well, with 89.1% of patients reporting a positive experience, placing it among the better-rated practices in the region. However, 5.1% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their care, highlighting areas for potential improvement in appointment availability and patient access.

Wells City Practice, also on Glastonbury Road, received slightly lower overall ratings, with 82.4% of patients reporting satisfaction with their care.

Although the practice was praised for the helpfulness of its reception team, some patients reported difficulties accessing care, particularly when trying to see a preferred GP. These issues echo broader trends identified in the survey.

An NHS England spokesperson said: "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."

Nationwide, 89.9% of patients said their needs were met during their last GP appointment, and 92.3% expressed confidence and trust in the healthcare professional they saw. The survey also found that 64% of patients were seen face-to-face during their last appointment, reflecting the ongoing shift back to in-person care following the pandemic.

However, the survey's authors warned that the data for 2024 cannot be compared with previous years due to changes in survey design and methodology.