BRIGHTON has been named among the best areas for GP surgeries, according to new research.

The study carried out by national law firm Simpson Millar looked at the latest Care Quality Commission inspection reports and Google reviews of more than 850 different GP practices in 21 major UK towns and cities.

The aim of the analysis was to see how the inspection ratings and Google reviews compare, determining if it is a “postcode lottery” when it comes to local healthcare provision. 

Practices in Brighton have an average Google review rating of 3.2 out of five. 

Patient experiences and official ratings were particularly at odds, with the CQC classing nearly one in ten, or nine per cent, of surgeries as offering a service below its overall expected level. 

Top surgeries in the area include Arch Healthcare with an average review rating of 4.1 and a CQC rating of outstanding, the Pavilion Surgery with a rating of 4.1 and a CQC rating of good, and the Ship Street Surgery with a rating of 3.9 and a CQC rating of good.

The full research - which shows some disparity between patient expectations and experiences, and official service standard reports – found that nearly all GP surgeries in England have been rated either good (91 per cent) or outstanding (five per cent) by the CQC, but online reviews left by patients reveal a different story in several locations.

Ian Clifton, a medical negligence solicitor at Simpson Millar commented: “GP surgeries are a vital front line of defence for people. 

“We believe they should be adequately funded, and support should be made available to implement changes as needed following CQC inspections.  

“It is great to see many GP surgeries being rated well, despite the challenges of the last few years.   

“It is also clear that many practices haven’t been inspected in some time though. 

“Perhaps due to the Covid-19 pandemic, more than eight in ten (81 per cent) of the GPs we analysed have not been inspected in person since March 2020. 

“If we compare their official ratings with online patient reviews it is clear that there is some disparity in several towns and cities.  

“While an inadequate rating doesn’t necessarily equate to poor patient care, where there is a concern regarding safety and leadership capability it does suggest that there are risks to those who rely on those GP Surgeries 

 “Sadly, failings in care at GP surgeries can have a devastating impact on patients. 

“Where failings are identified, it is our opinion that lessons learnt should be shared across all surgeries to protect patients.   

“Patients who suffer as a result of medical negligence often pursue a claim for compensation to pay for follow-up treatment, loss of earnings and rehabilitation. 

“However, many take legal action in a bid to ensure that changes are made.”  

Further information about this study can be found at: https://www.simpsonmillar.co.uk/media/how-gp-surgeries-are-rated-across-england/