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.
21. Hillswick Health Centre - Shetland
There were 114 responses from patients at Hillswick Health Centre in Shetland, with 98% rating their overall experience as positive. | Google Maps
22. Unst Health Centre - Shetland
There were 77 responses from patients at Unst Health Centre in Shetland, with 98% rating their overall experience as positive. | Google Maps
23. Scalasaig Medical Practice - Isle of Colonsay
There were 44 responses from patients at Scalasaig Medical Practice in Isle of Colonsay, with 98% rating their overall experience as positive. | Google Maps
24. Easdale Medical Practice - Isle of Seil
There were 93 responses from patients at Easdale Medical Practice in Isle of Seil, with 98% rating their overall experience as positive. | Google Maps