Patient survey data shows case for keeping Hawkshead GP open

Hawkshead's MP Tim Farron has pointed to data released this morning by NHS England showing that the Hawkshead Medical Practice has the highest patient satisfaction of any GP surgery in England as proof that the campaign to keep the surgery open must succeed.

The GP Patient Survey is conducted by NHS England twice a year. It is designed to give patients the opportunity to comment on their experience of their GP practice. The survey asks patients about a range of issues related to their local GP surgery and other local NHS services. This includes questions about how easy or difficult it is for patients to make an appointment at their surgery, satisfaction with opening hours, and the quality of care received from their GP and practice nurses, amongst other things.

The figures for the second half of the year were released this morning, with over 93% of patients rating the Hawkshead Medical Practice as very good - ahead of all the other 8,000 surgeries in England.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has been at the forefront of the campaign the keep Hawkshead open, following threats due to a change in the funding formulae for rural practices. He recently met the BMA to press their case, and is due to meet bosses from NHS England soon. Hundreds of local residents turned out at public meetings to show their concern about the closure at Hawkshead, and of the surgery at Coniston.

Speaking today, Tim said: "I'd first like to congratulate the team at Hawkshead for this splendid result. It's clear that local residents really value the work they do.

"This data proves, however, that we must win our campaign to keep the Hawkshead surgery open, and I'll keep doing everything that I can to help the team win enough funding to keep providing their excellent service to local residents."