The start of 2026 has brought a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing primary care in England's second city. The results of the latest national GP Patient Survey, released in 2025, have identified the ten medical practices in Birmingham that patients found the most difficult to contact as the previous year drew to a close.
Survey Highlights Widespread Access Issues
The comprehensive survey, which gathered responses from more than 700,000 patients across England between December 20, 2024, and April 1, 2025, provides a crucial snapshot of public experience. A key focus area was how easily patients could get in touch with their local surgery via telephone, website, or the NHS App.
By analysing the data for Birmingham, a clear picture emerges of significant variation and frustration. The ranking is based on the lowest average percentage of patients who reported it was 'easy' to make contact through the available channels.
The Top 10 Hardest-to-Contact GP Surgeries in Birmingham
The data paints a concerning picture for several practices, with one surgery standing out for particularly severe access problems.
1. Finch Road Primary Care Centre, Lozells
This practice tops the list as the most challenging to reach in the city. A striking 61% of patients described contacting the surgery by phone as 'very difficult'.
2. Solihull Healthcare Partnership, Solihull
Tying for second place, this large partnership saw 48% of its patients rate telephone contact as very difficult.
3. Newtown Medical Centre, Newtown
Sharing the second position, an identical 48% of patients at Newtown Medical Centre reported major struggles getting through on the phone.
4. Millennium Medical Centre
The fourth-placed practice still recorded a high level of dissatisfaction, with 45% of patients finding it very difficult to make contact by telephone.
The full list continues to name a total of eighteen Birmingham practices where patients reported significant hurdles in making initial contact, a fundamental first step in accessing care.
What This Means for Patients and the NHS
These findings are more than just a ranking; they highlight a critical barrier within the healthcare system. Difficulty contacting a GP can lead to delayed diagnoses, worsened conditions, and increased pressure on other NHS services like A&E departments.
The survey results, now public as 2026 begins, serve as a vital benchmark for patients, healthcare providers, and local health commissioners. They underscore the urgent need for investment in digital infrastructure, telephone systems, and administrative support to ensure that primary care is genuinely accessible to all who need it.
For residents in the affected areas, the data provides clear evidence of systemic issues at specific surgeries. It empowers them to ask questions at Patient Participation Groups and holds practices accountable for developing and communicating robust improvement plans.
