MORE than half of a sample of GP patients said they had difficulty making appointments, a survey has revealed
The study, by Healthwatch Barnsley, covers the period between November 22 and December 6.
The healthcare watchdog - which has a statutory duty to ensure adequate health and social care - said 176 of 302 people, or 58 per cent, said they were unable to get through on their local GP surgery’s phone line.
The majority of patients were in the North and Penistone wards - 52 and 51 respectively - while 34 were in the South ward, 16 in the Central ward, 15 in the Dearne and eight in the North East.
NHS figures show more than 60,000 of 1.2 million appointments across Barnsley were missed from last May to April of this year, while 71,757 were put down as ‘unknown’ as there was no record as to whether a patient turned up or not.
We have been at the heart of our community, every week, since 1858. The town and its people have changed dramatically since then but the Chronicle has been a constant.
It’s our belief that news should be available to everyone regardless of their circumstance. But we need a little helping hand to do so.
Production Editor, Ashley Ball, said: "In an ever changing media world, it’s important that news is reported correctly and without any hidden agenda.
Your support allows us to keep holding decision-makers to account and report on everything that happens in the town, good or bad, fairly."