PATIENT satisfaction with GP practices, NHS dental and pharmacy services across Hertfordshire and west Essex has increased this year – according to latest national survey results.

The results of the 2025 IPSOS Mori NHS England survey show that:

• 75% of patients expressed overall satisfaction with their GP practice, compared with 72% last year – in line with the national average of 75%
• 91% of patients expressed overall satisfaction with local pharmacy services, compared with 89% last year. This is higher than the national average which is 88%
• 77% of patients expressed overall satisfaction with local NHS dental services, compared with 75% last year. This is higher than the national average which is 71%

These results are based on the responses of 14,166 patients in the Hertfordshire and west Essex Integrated Care System area who completed a survey sent out earlier this year.

Avni Shah, Director of Primary Care, NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board, said: “This is great news and it’s fantastic that all three services, GP, dental and pharmacy have achieved these results.

“This patient feedback shows that our local services remain resilient, and staff continue to work hard to do all they can for patients, despite the continuing pressure on NHS services. 

“We do know however that people’s experiences differ across the patch which is why our focus continues to be on enhancing local services, working with and supporting individual services where needed, and implementing further change for the better.”

Over the last year the ICB’s primary care team has worked with local GP, dentist and pharmacy services to improve access to services and patient experience. 

This includes investing in advanced telephone systems and expanding the use of online consultation tools to make it easier for patients to contact their GP practice. The local NHS has also promoted the NHS app which has led to an over 50% increase in patients registering with the app an 40% increase in patients using it to order repeat prescriptions*. This year has also seen the expansion and development of the Pharmacy First scheme with pharmacies making it easier to get help for common conditions. There have been over 150,000 consultations in pharmacies that might previously have been delivered in general practice.

There have also been 120,000 new patients seen by an NHS dentist* and more appointments available including through the urgent dental care service. 

Anvi continued: “While we recognise the need for continuous improvement, it is important to recognise the hard work that has resulted in these increased rates of satisfaction. Thank you to all of our patients who took the time to complete the survey.

“The recently released 10-year plan aims to improve GP access by making it easier for patients to contact practices and receive timely responses. It emphasises caring for more people in the community and using technology to improve access and patient experience for all. We are committed to continue to work with our local primary care providers to deliver further improvements for local patients.”

Go here to see the 2025 results – GP Patient Survey