Hackney GP, Pic: City & Hackney
Patient satisfaction levels at many GP practices in Hackney are lower than the London average, new figures reveal.
Myhealthlondon, a website launched by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and the NHS in December 2011, allows visitors to make comments making comparisons between different surgeries in their boroughs.
The result shows that among 40 practices in Hackney only 14 scored above the London average (162.82 out of 200.00) for patient satisfaction. The highest-scoring surgery, Statham Grove Surgery, ranked top with the score of 191.14 and followed by Barton House Group practice, with the score of 186.60 for its satisfaction levels.
The other 26 practices were below the London-wide level. Foyntaine Road Health Centre was the lowest-scoring surgery in Hackney with the score of 134.36. Dalston practice and Southgate Road Medical Centre were not performing in a desirable level as well, with a score of 149.42 and 149.85, respectively.
Dr Howard Freeman, associate medical Director of Primary Care at NHS London, said that the purpose of the survey is to help those in charge find ways to improve services.
“We want London GPs to start to look at their outcomes, look at their colleagues’ outcomes and to see that improvement in outcomes for all Londoners.”
Some residents in hackney believe the information has portrayed a clear picture of GP services and are looking forward to seeing positive change from their local practices.
“I think the data is reliable and it will urge GPs to improve primary care by listening to feedback from their patients” one local resident told EastLondonLines.
But others were skeptical about the result. Jason Longfellow, a Hackney resident, said that the result is just for reference and should not be given too much weight.
“I am registered with the Lawson practice in Hoxton which got unsatisfied score according to the survey. However, from my own experience, I have been with them for 10 years, with no problems with any part of the service.”
Several surgeries were contacted though none could give a comment on the issue.
