It’s a challenging time of year for the Scottish healthcare system. The Scottish Government launched its ‘winter preparedness plan’ earlier than ever this year to address a surge in demand for health services, including increases in respiratory illnesses, such as flu, covid and RSV, as well as weather-related injuries.
Despite the challenges, the majority of patients across Scotland are happy with the care provided by their GP surgeries, results of an official Scottish Government health and care survey show. The latest Health and Care Experience survey for 2023/24 asked people across the country about what they think about their local GP practice.
More than 107,000 people registered at GP practices in Scotland responded to the 2023/24 survey, giving an overall response rate of 20%. Of those who responded, 69% said they had an overall positive experience provided by their GP practice, up 2% on the 2021/22 survey.
The questionnaires were sent out in October and November 2023 and asked about people’s experiences over the previous 12 months.
Here we reveal the best GP surgeries in Scotland according to the survey. Practices have been ranked according to the percentage of people rating their overall experience as positive - and five had flawless scores.
9. Ecclefechan Surgery - Ecclefechan, Lockerbie
There were 140 responses from patients at Ecclefechan Surgery in Ecclefechan, Lockerbie, with 99% rating their overall experience as positive. | Google Maps
10. Strathdon Medical Centre - Strathdon
There were 121 responses from patients at Strathdon Medical Centre in Strathdon, with 99% rating their overall experience as positive. | Google Maps
11. Whalsay Health Centre - Shetland
There were 98 responses from patients at Whalsay Health Centre in Shetland, with 99% rating their overall experience as positive. | Google Maps
12. Assynt Medical Practice - Sutherland
There were 97 responses from patients at Assynt Medical Practice in Sutherland, with 99% rating their overall experience as positive. | Google Maps