The latest GP Patient Survey, conducted by Ipsos on behalf of NHS England, has unveiled the 12 worst rated GP surgeries in Birmingham for 2026, based on patient feedback regarding their overall experience. This comprehensive survey provides a crucial insight into how residents perceive the quality of primary care services across the city, with results indicating significant variations in satisfaction levels.
Survey Highlights Patient Experiences Across Birmingham
Nationally, the majority of patients described their overall experience at GP practices as 'very good' (44%) or 'fairly good' (31%), reflecting a generally positive outlook on primary healthcare. However, the data for Birmingham reveals a more nuanced picture, with several surgeries falling short of patient expectations. The rankings are determined by the proportion of patients who rated their GP surgery as 'very poor', offering a clear metric for identifying areas in need of improvement.
Top Four Lowest Rated Surgeries in Detail
The survey results pinpoint specific surgeries with the highest rates of negative feedback. Here is an in-depth look at the top four:
- Aubrey Road Medical Centre - Birmingham: Out of 953 survey forms distributed, 99 patients responded, yielding a 10% response rate. Alarmingly, 26% of these respondents described their overall experience as 'very poor', marking it as the worst rated surgery in the city.
- Finch Road Primary Care Centre - Birmingham: With 978 forms sent out, 112 patients participated, resulting in a 12% response rate. Among these, 23% reported a 'very poor' experience, placing it second on the list.
- Saltley and Fernbank Medical Practice - Birmingham: This practice received 993 survey forms, with 82 patients responding at an 8% rate. Of these, 20% rated their experience as 'very poor', highlighting ongoing concerns.
- Alpha Medical Practice - Birmingham: Distributing 985 forms, the practice saw 119 responses, achieving a 12% response rate. Similarly, 20% of patients deemed their experience 'very poor', underscoring issues that need addressing.
Implications for Healthcare in Birmingham
These findings serve as a vital tool for NHS England and local healthcare providers to identify and rectify shortcomings in GP services. The low response rates, ranging from 8% to 12%, suggest that patient engagement may be limited, potentially skewing the data. Nonetheless, the high percentages of 'very poor' ratings among respondents indicate genuine dissatisfaction that warrants immediate attention.
By shedding light on these underperforming surgeries, the survey aims to drive improvements in patient care, ensuring that all Birmingham residents have access to high-quality GP services. Stakeholders are encouraged to use this data to implement targeted interventions and enhance overall healthcare standards in the region.
