PEOPLE are finding appointments with doctors in Cornwall increasingly difficult to make, according to the latest feedback given to Healthwatch Cornwall from patients.

In response, the health and social care watchdog has launched a survey to learn more about how people across the county find making an appointment to see a doctor at their surgery.

Research manager at Healthwatch Cornwall Natalie Swann said: ‘We want to build a fuller picture of how this issue is impacting on patients so that people’s experiences can be taken into account in the planning of new or alternative options.

‘We are aware that, for various reasons, there is a shortage of general practice doctors nationally and locally.

‘This means services may need to be provided in other ways.

‘We have worked in conjunction with local health services commissioner NHS Kernow to devise this survey so they can be fully informed and make best use of the learning from it.’

People have told Healthwatch Cornwall issues such as surgery closure or increase in local population due to new housing have impacted on their ability to get an appointment quickly and easily.

Andrew Abbott of NHS Kernow said: ‘Listening to the experiences people have when trying to see a doctor is a vital part of our future planning; we want to provide the best options we can.

By supporting Healthwatch Cornwall and encouraging everyone to have their say via the survey, we can incorporate public opinion more easily within our future commissioning.’

Visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/accessdoctor2017 to take part or call 0800 0381 281 if you require an alternative format.

The survey is aimed at people who live in Cornwall, even if not currently registered with a doctor, and runs until January 19.

 To provide feedback on any publicly-funded health and social care services in Cornwall, you can also visit healthwatchcornwall.co.uk/have-your-say/ or call 0800 0381 281.