GPs face fund blow over survey

Some GP surgeries in Leicestershire and Rutland could lose thousands in funding because of poor patient satisfaction.

Payments of up to £10,000 could be blocked to practices where fewer than 6 out of 10 patients say they can book in advance for appointments.

It is thought about 45 family doctors in the area are affected.

NHS Leicester City said while health care was improving, it would work with affected surgeries to make sure standards were maintained.

Best service

Professor Azhar Farooqi, from NHS Leicester City, said: "The situation is improving. In Leicester many practices have performed well and will be receiving the bonus payments.

"Some practices have not achieved the targets set and NHS Leicester City will be sitting down with them and working out how they can improve their service so in future they do meet their targets."

GP Angela Lennox's Saint Matthew practice is one of those which missed the satisfaction targets.

"What is the best way of really understanding how well the service fits?" she said.

"Clearly asking patients is really important but I do feel you have to look beyond just a few statistics which of course are very easy to collect."