Frequently asked questions

Please note the survey has now closed.

What is an access code?

Your access code contains 12 characters and looks like this on your letter: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX. For example, 9BPH-8D7J-MKYB. Your access code will allow you to log in to the online survey.

Your name and contact details will not be attached to the information collected in this survey. Instead, a personal access code has been given to each person invited to take part in the survey.

When you enter your access code into the online survey, please type 4 characters in each box.

If you have lost your access code, please email GPPatientSurvey@ipsos.com with your request and we will email this back to you. This may take a few days as all access codes are held securely.

Or you can wait until you receive the next reminder letter, which will be sent to everyone who hasn’t filled in the survey. Your access code will be printed on the first page of the letter.

Where can I find my access code to take part online?

The access code is printed in the middle of your letter.

Additionally, text messages are sent to invite patients to take part in the survey, where mobile numbers are available. Text messages will contain a unique link which allows you to take part online without needing to enter your access code. Some text messages will include a link to an invitation e-letter which explains how to take part in the survey.

You may also receive an email, inviting or reminding you to take part in the survey. These will also contain a unique link to the online survey. 

I’ve lost my access code which I need to fill in the survey online. Can I have this again?

If you have lost your access code, please email GPPatientSurvey@ipsos.com with your request and we will email this back to you. This may take a few days as all access codes are held securely.

Or you can wait until you receive the next reminder letter or text message, which will be sent to everyone who hasn’t filled in the survey. Your access code will be printed on the first page of the letter.

Can I take a break part way through filling in the survey online?

Yes, when filling in the survey online your progress saves automatically. You can close the browser window containing the survey whenever you like - your progress will be saved. When you’re ready to continue filling in the survey, return to the survey login page via www.gp-patient.co.uk/survey. Simply log in with your access code, and you’ll be returned to where you left off.

Please note that, though your responses save automatically, unless you press the ‘submit’ button at the end of the survey, your responses will not be submitted to us.

What happens if I agreed to be recontacted for further research?

Firstly, taking part in any future research is voluntary. You will always be given enough information to help you decide whether you want to take part in advance.

If you gave your permission to be recontacted, we will safely hold onto your contact details for the next two years. NHS England will approve all planned follow up research. NHSE will ask Ipsos to contact you on their behalf to let you know about any new research and will only share your details with an approved organisation if you give permission.

If you are a carer and gave permission for the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to contact you about your experience, your details will be shared with them.

If you have agreed to be contacted about future research, your data will be securely removed from our systems by April 2027. You have the right to change your mind at any point before this time.

If you said ‘no’, you will not be contacted about any follow up research to this survey. We will delete your contact details and NHS number in line with our privacy policy. You may still be contacted about the GP Patient Survey or other surveys in the future if you are randomly selected to take part. For more information, please visit: https://www.gp-patient.co.uk/confidentiality.