Frequently asked questions

Please note the survey has now closed.

How do I take part in the survey?

You can take part online using the personal access code on your invitation letter. You may also receive a text message or email including a unique link which allows you to take part online without needing to enter your personal access code. Some text messages will also include a link to an e-letter inviting you to take part.

You can also take part by using the paper survey which will be sent in the post in February, or you can contact the Ipsos helpline team on Freephone 0800 819 9135 or email GPPatientSurvey@ipsos.com.

You can take part online in one of 14 different languages or British Sign Language. Paper versions are available in Braille and large print. To request these, either call the Freephone helpline (0800 819 9135) or email GPPatientSurvey@ipsos.com.

Do I have to answer all the questions?

Answering any of the questions, including any demographic questions in the section “About you”, is completely voluntary. This means you don’t have to answer them all. However, we hope you will answer as many questions as possible, as this will give us the best possible picture of your experiences.

The online survey will automatically skip some questions that are not relevant to you, based on your previous answers. If you take part using the paper questionnaire please follow the instructions carefully.

Can I tell you about my experience with a GP practice that I have used recently but I am not registered with?

Yes, you can. Where the question asks about your GP practice, please think about the practice you are registered with. For questions about general practice appointments (or other services), please think about anywhere where you have had a general practice appointment. This could be any general practice location, including other GP practices, hubs or health centres.

Can I answer about my experience contacting a GP practice on behalf of someone else?

Yes, but only in one part of the survey. Most of the survey asks about your experiences. In the section titled 'Your last contact' (questions 8 to 16), it is possible to answer questions about occasions when you contacted the practice for yourself or someone else.

In addition, in the section titled ‘When your GP practice is closed’ (questions 33 to 36), it is also possible to answer questions about occasions when you contacted or used an NHS service (for yourself or someone else) because your GP practice was closed.

However, the rest of the questions should be answered based on your experience only.

I changed my practice last week / last month / recently, should I still take part?

If you have changed your GP practice since October 2024, please answer the questions about the practice you were registered with before then, for the questions which ask about your GP practice. However, for questions about your last appointment, please think about anywhere you have had a general practice appointment. This could be any general practice location, such as GP practices, or on other premises such as in GP hubs or health centres.

I haven’t had an appointment at my GP practice in the last year, but I’ve been sent a letter. Should I take part?

Yes, if you are registered with a GP practice. Even if you have not recently had an appointment with a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional, your answers are still valuable to us. There are questions in the survey which ask when you last tried to contact your GP practice and when you last had a general practice appointment. These will help us understand whether your experience is recent or not.

I usually see a nurse or other healthcare professional at my practice rather than a GP (doctor). Can I still take part in the survey?

Yes, you can still take part. The questions cover your experiences with all healthcare professionals working at the practice, such as nurses, pharmacists or mental health professionals, as well as GPs. Your feedback about these appointments is just as valuable for improving overall practice services.

I have a complaint or comment about my GP practice that is not covered by the survey. How do I tell someone about this?

Ipsos cannot help you with any other question or complaint you may have about your doctor, nurse or GP practice. Ipsos is only running the GP Patient Survey on behalf of NHS England.

If you want to make a comment about your GP practice, you can provide written feedback in other ways. For example, your GP practice should offer the Friends and Family Test (FFT) which lets you leave comments about your experience. You can also give feedback on services you have received by posting comments on websites including the NHS website and Care Opinion. Further information on how to give feedback can be found on the NHS England website at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/participation/get-involved/how/feedback/

If you want to complain about the service or care your GP practice provides, you can choose whether to complain directly to the practice or to the commissioner, which is the organization that pays for the service or care you received. For GP services, the commissioner is your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). Very often the practice will be able to resolve the matter for you locally. If you choose to complain to your local ICB, you can find out how to contact them on this website: NHS England » Contact your local integrated care board (ICB)

More information about making a complaint can be found on the following website:

NHS England » Feedback and complaints about NHS services