New research from Healthwatch England highlights an important issue with GP access: while getting an appointment quickly matters, having a choice in how we receive care is just as important. The findings revealed that only 23% of patients were offered a choice between a face-to-face and a remote GP appointment, while 32% were not offered any choice about the timing, format or location of their appointment. The research also found that 77% of respondents were satisfied with their most recent contact with their GP practice. However, satisfaction was lower when it came to the convenience of appointment type, timing and format, with only 62% giving a positive rating.
Everyone has different needs and circumstances. While remote appointments may work well for some, others may need to see a GP in person, have more time to discuss their concerns or receive additional communication support. These findings highlight why improving GP access must go beyond appointment waiting times. Patients should be supported to access care that is appropriate for their needs, accessible and works for them.
What needs to change?
Healthwatch England is calling for GP practices to offer relevant appointment choices proactively, make reasonable adjustments easier to request, and ensure patients’ experiences are considered when measuring improvements in access. We believe these findings are an important reminder that good access is not just about getting an appointment, but about getting the right care, in the right way, for each individual.
đź”— Read the full research from Healthwatch England: https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2026-10-08/are-patients-getting-choices-they-need-their-gp