Four Years On: Patient experience of GP access

What do we want to know?

We want to understand how patients currently experience access to general practitioners (GPs) in 2026. 

We are interested in learning about the methods local people use to contact their GP, how they navigate appointment systems, and their suggestions for improving the overall experience. 

We also want to find out how accessing GP appointments has changed since 2022.

We will be gaining feedback through our statutory Enter & View visits to local GP surgeries, through in-person conversations at Patient Participation Groups (PPG) and through our regular engagement duties.

Why are we asking?

In 2022, Healthwatch Wolverhampton published a report highlighting issues related to accessing GP services, which were worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Four years later, although there have been significant changes to appointment access through national initiatives, we still hear from service users that the overall quality of access remains poor, and many individuals tell us that they continue to struggle to obtain appointments. 

This review provides a timely opportunity to follow up on Healthwatch Wolverhampton's previous reports (in 2022 and 2023).

How will your feedback make a difference?

By reviewing patient feedback, considering recent changes to GP contracts, access arrangements, and national initiatives such as Pharmacy First, we have an opportunity to ensure that local voices contribute to improving GP access in Wolverhampton. This aims to create a smoother and more inclusive experience for patients.