PEOPLE across Wharfedale are being encouraged to give their views, if asked to, as part of a national GP patient survey.

The NHS is seeking feedback about patients’ experiences of using services at their GP practice. Those chosen will receive a letter and questionnaire over the next few weeks.

They can complete it – by post or online – until the end of March and there are a range of options for people who need support to help them take part.

Questions will also cover people’s experiences of seeing other healthcare professionals such as onsite pharmacists and practice nurses, and using online and phone services as well as face-to-face appointments.

Dr James Thomas, GP and clinical chair at NHS Airedale Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “The patient survey plays a key role in understanding what’s working and what needs to improve. It is an important source of information for understanding the impact of recent changes introduced in primary care, such as extended opening hours and other initiatives, which were put in place in response to what patients said in previous years’ surveys. Please complete it if you receive one.”

The survey invites a sample of people aged 16 and over from more than 7,000 practices across England to take part. Information is handled securely and no-one is identified when the findings are published.

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.