DEVON’S patients have given their GPs and practices a big vote of confidence in a national survey, scoring their services above the country’s average in all categories.

The local practices were rated in NHS England’s GP Patient Survey, which provides information on patients’ overall experience of primary care services and their experience of accessing these services.

One of the questions asked patients to rate their overall experience of their GP practice.

In the area covered by Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (NEW Devon CCG) 89% rated their experience as ‘good’, compared to the national average of 84%.

The survey also asked how easy it was to get through on the phone to someone at their GP practice.

In the NEW Devon CCG area, 81% said it was easy — the national average was 70%.

In addition, patients were asked how would they describe their experience of making an appointment.

In the NEW Devon CCG area 78% said it was good and the national average was 69%.

Dr Tim Burke, NEW Devon CCG chair, said: ‘We are very proud of the work GPs do locally, and we’re pleased that the public feel the same way.

‘GPs are often the first point of contact for patients.

‘They have an important role in patient management, providing ongoing care and treatment for those with chronic diseases and acute illnesses.

‘We all aim to make patients’ experience as positive as possible, and we will continue to work hard to maintain the high levels of patient care.’

The annual survey, which has been redesigned to better reflect patient experience and the changing shape of primary care, has also been extended to include those aged 16 to 17.

Patients were asked if they have had enough support from local services or organisations to help them manage their condition, or conditions, in the past 12 months. In the NEW Devon CCG, area 82% said yes.