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Drop in patient survey scores to hit GP income

By Alisdair Stirling

GPs face a loss in income after the yearly results from the latest patient survey showed a significant fall in performance.

The full results from practices in England in 2009/10 are published today and show performance on two crucial patient experience indicators practices receive payment for under QOF has dropped.

In 2009/10, 80% of respondents were able to obtain a consultation within two working days compared to 84% in 2008/09.

Only 71% of respondents in 2009/10 said they had been able to book an appointment with a GP more than two days in advance with 25% saying they could not.

In 2008/09, the comparative figures were 76% and 22%.

The findings come as the Government considers scrapping the controversial survey and replacing it with a new system placing greater emphasis on outcomes.

Earlier this month health secretary Andrew Lansley said the survey was ‘too much like asking patients whether they were grateful' and argued that access was not as important as outcomes.

Patient survey