TWO GP surgeries in Almondsbury and Yate are celebrating being named the best in South Gloucestershire by their patients.

Almondsbury Surgery, and Wellington Road Family Practice in Yate were rated top in the annual GP Patient Survey, measuring the patient satisfaction of each practice across the country.

The two surgeries had an impressive 95 per cent of patients rating their overall experience as “good” or better.

The survey assesses every practice in the country on a range of topics including waiting times, the quality of care given, opening times, how easy it is to make an appointment, and out-of-hours service.

Julie Lewis, Almondsbury Surgery operations manager, said: “We are delighted with the GP patient survey result. 

“It’s a particularly difficult time, especially for small practices, as recruiting doctors is now difficult. 

“This result is a reward for our staff who are very patient-focused – and perhaps a thanks to our patients too!” 

Dr Kate Mansfield, a partner at Wellington Road Family Practice, said: “As the smallest practice in South Gloucestershire we aim to provide high quality, personalised care and are delighted that the response from our patients is so positive.

“We are a close knit team and the success of our growing practice is down to the care, hard work and commitment of each and every member of our team.”

Not far behind were Frome Valley Medical Centre in Frampton Cotterell, coming third with 94 per cent and St Mary Street Surgery in Thornbury with 92 per cent.

South Gloucestershire saw a 48 per cent response rate of those asked to take part, with 2,853 residents taking their part between January and March 2017.

More than two out of three patients at each surgery gave at least a good rating, but only just, with Stoke Gifford Medical Centre getting the lowest at 67 per cent.

The county just fell short of the national average of 85 per cent, achieving 83 per cent overall.

Confidence and trust in GPs was high across the board, matching the 95 per cent national average, ranging from 90-99 per cent, also reflecting in the nursing teams, with 98 per cent giving a positive response, marginally higher than the national average.

However, almost two out of five people surveyed felt they waited too long for their appointments.