NHS data from May has revealed the number of patients waiting for more than 28 days for an appointment in each Havering GP surgery.
The NHS website said: “The aim is to inform users, who range from a healthcare professional to an inquiring citizen, about appointments within primary care.”
The data presented only contains information which was captured on the GP practice and PCN appointment systems.
The Upstairs Surgery in Chadwell Heath Health Centre (Image: Google) The Upstairs Surgery in Ashton Gardens, Chadwell Heath topped the list with a reported 345 patients waiting longer than 28 days for an appointment with a doctor.
When contacted for a comment, a spokesperson from The Upstairs Surgery told the Recorder that they believe the information to be “incorrect” and believe the real figure to be 189.
However, the surgery has not provided evidence of this.
They said: “Looking at this one figure in isolation risks misrepresenting patient access at The Upstairs Surgery.
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“There are many appropriate reasons why patients may be booked more than 28 days in advance.
“For example, we have one of the highest populations of diabetic patients locally, and their routine reviews are often scheduled well in advance.
“Similarly, chronic disease reviews, postnatal checks, minor surgery and follow-up appointments after blood tests or scans are commonly booked in this timeframe.
“In many cases, patients themselves choose to book appointments several weeks ahead via our online booking system, particularly when it suits their personal schedules.
“This is not evidence of delay, but rather of flexibility and choice in the system.”
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There were 12 Havering GPs which had no patients waiting longer than a month to see a doctor.
These were: Petersfield Surgery, Central Park Surgery, Lynwood Medical Centre, Dr VM Patel, Dr P & S Poologanathan, Harlow Road Surgery, St George’s Country Park Surgery, Rainham & Upminster Medical Centre, Modern Medical Centre, Abbamoor Surgery, Billet Lane Medical Practice and The Robins Surgery.
Top 10 practices with the most patients waiting more than 28 days for an appointment in May, according to NHS data
- The Upstairs Surgery – 345
- North Street Medical Care – 310
- Cranham Village Surgery – 297
- Western Road Medical Centre – 218
- Wood Lane Surgery – 186
- Suttons Avenue Surgery -139
- Hornchurch Healthcare – 100
- Haiderian Medical Centre – 99
- The New Medical Centre – 84
- South Hornchurch Medical Practice – 74
