The best and worst GPs in Oldham for getting appointments

Data collated by NHS England has revealed the best and worst GPs in Oldham, in terms of getting an appointment, in February this year - the latest data available.

Topping the list of the 34 medical centres in the borough was The Duru Practice, on New Radcliffe Street, which took on 72.7 per cent of their 1,438 patients on the same day they called up.

John Street Medical Practice, John Street (Image: Google Street View)

At the other end of the spectrum, John Street Medical Practice, on John Street, took on just 25.9 per cent of its 1,972 patients on the same day.

However, there are several factors to take into account as to why an appointment may have been delayed, these include appointment availability at the practice, patient availability, the urgency of the appointment and GP advice.

While almost three in four patients are seen on the same day on New Radcliffe Street, over on Huddersfield Road at Springfield House Medical Centre the same cannot be said.

Of the 2,530 patients they saw in February, 22.1 per cent waited more than four weeks for their appointment – that was 560 residents waiting over 28 days to be seen.

Half of Hopwood House Medical Practice’s 2,288 patients had to wait more than one week to be seen – 50.4 per cent, while only 4.9 per cent of visitors at The Duru Practice waited eight days or more.

Rob Bellingham, Chief Officer for Commissioning and Population Health at NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, said: “Making sure that people can see or speak to their GP in a timely and easy way is a top priority for NHS Greater Manchester.

Springfield House Medical Centre, Huddersfield Road (Image: Google Street View)

“Last year we published our primary care blueprint ­– a five-year plan to improve access to primary care services.

“The plan aims to ensure same-day urgent access to general practice where there is an urgent need and tackle the ‘8am rush’ in general practice by investing in better phone and digital systems.”

He continued: “We plan to simplify the processes to request online access and encourage the use of the NHS App to book appointments to give patients greater flexibility.

The Duru Practice, New Radcliffe Street (Image: Google Street View)

“We have also recruited to additional roles within general practice, to work alongside GPs and nurses, to ensure patients receive the care they need as quickly as possible.”

Mr Bellingham explained that GP practices in Greater Manchester offered a record number of appointments in January and February this year – over 1.4m in February and 1.5million the month before.

Hopwood House Medical Practice, Lees Road (Image: Google Street View)

He added: “Across Greater Manchester there has also been a 13 percent rise in the number of appointments given, compared to a 9 percent rise nationally (pre-pandemic 2019 compared to 2023).

“Practice teams have achieved this in the face of increased pressure and rising demand, and they continue to work hard to meet the needs of patients.”

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