A THIRD of patients could not see their own doctor or get an appointment within a week, a survey revealed.

Healthwatch Oxfordshire said health leaders must address concerns from its survey of more than 800 patients’ views on their GP service.

It found 29 per cent could not get an appointment within a week, with 23 per cent able to get an appointment that day.

The survey found 66 per cent could see their regular GP, but 34 per cent did not.

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One patient told the study, which kept names anonymous: “Our practice has several doctors, and trying to see the same one to discuss ongoing issues, particularly for our children, is a nightmare.”

Another said: “My preferred GP is popular, therefore I have to wait two to three weeks.”

And a third said: “My practice is very good for same-day appointments, but trying to book a routine appointment within a couple of weeks is often difficult.”

Healthwatch chief executive Rachel Coney said it would talk to county NHS and GP leaders and NHS England, responsible for GPs, about the findings.

The study was carried out with The Patients’ Association. Chief executive Katherine Murphy said: “We hope that every GP surgery in Oxfordshire looks at this report and addresses the many concerns from patients.”

Oxford East Labour MP Andrew Smith said he was concerned by the findings, adding: “I know from my meetings with local GPs that practices are under increasing pressure, both on time and resources, and in retaining and recruiting doctors.”

But Banbury MP Sir Tony Baldry said the survey was of “limited benefit” as it did not have details of the urgency of each case.

He said: “I would expect GP surgeries quite rightly to prioritise appointments so as to ensure that those who have an urgent need get to see their GP quickly.”

The survey also found 40 per cent of respondents got through on the phone straight away while 42 per cent waited up to five minutes.

A statement from the British Medical Association’s Oxfordshire Local Medical Committee said: “GPs in Oxfordshire have consistently provided a standard of service that is amongst the best in the country. They recognise that many patients are unable to get appointments at times that suit them, but the problems identified in this survey are all a consequence of the substantial and growing gap between resources and demand.”

Dr Gavin Bartholomew, primary care clinical lead for Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (OCCG), responsible for NHS spending, said results reflect a “high level of satisfaction”.

He said: “A priority for OCCG is to take a further look at the patients’ access to GP services.”

NHS England Thames Valley interim director of primary care transformation, Mick Dolan, said eight out of 10 practices open outside office hours.

He said: “We are working with all practices to help them offer patients the opportunity to book appointments online, which we hope will be available from next spring.’’