BARNSLEY’S best and worst GP surgeries - based on how easy it is to get in touch and how helpful staff are - have been revealed.

Using data from the GP patient survey, the data shows that record numbers of patients across the country are unhappy with their experiences and have subsequently felt the need to complain.

Not all surgeries returned data for the survey in Barnsley - which ranked an overall satisfaction rate, how helpful the reception and administration staff are and how easy it is to contact the surgery on the phone.

According to the data, the highest rated surgery was Darton Health Centre Practice with an overall satisfaction rate of 83 per cent.

A total of 83 per cent of respondents found staff were helpful and 59 per cent said it was easy to contact them on the phone.

Kingswell Surgery, in Penistone, was rated the second best with an 82 per cent satisfaction score, followed by the Kakoty Practice on Sheffield Road and Monk Bretton Health Centre Practice with overall scores of 76 and 74.

On the other end of the spectrum, Royston Group Practice was the lowest rated.

Only 37 per cent of the 119 respondents were satisfied - 26 per cent found it easy to contact the surgery and 36 per cent said the staff were helpful.

This was followed by Huddersfield Road and Goldthorpe Medical Practice - both 39 per cent - and Hill Brow Surgery with a 40 per cent satisfaction rate.

Dove Valley, Grimethorpe, Penistone and Lundwood surgeries found themselves in the middle of the road.

Anthony Fitzgerald, executive lead for primary care at NHS South Yorkshire, told the Chronicle: “We recognise there is variation in patient satisfaction and perception of GP practices across South Yorkshire.

“We work closely with GP practices and other system partners to improve areas of access, communication, and patient experience.

“We are prioritising neighbourhood health roll out in South Yorkshire which will ensure GP practices work closely with other health and care organisations to co-ordinate and improve communication which will enable a joined up approach for the care and needs of our local residents.”

Some surgeries across the borough have been using AI and automated services for patients to book appointments.

Re-engage, a charity which works to tackle loneliness in old age, warned last week that it’s becoming increasingly difficult for elderly people in particular to see a GP.

CEO Jenny Willott said: “The increasing use of online bookings is leaving older people frustrated, feeling they are being discriminated against and dehumanised.

“They clearly prefer to get a GP appointment by phone or in-person but say they are being left behind by the constant march of digitalisation.

“Some no longer bother even trying to get an appointment while others take the risky route of treating themselves.

“It really is a bleak picture.

“Delaying care can only exacerbate health issues, increasing the pressure on emergency services and straining healthcare resources.

“Loneliness is recognised as a major public health issue which is made worse by the lack of social connections.

“GP services must be readily available for isolated older people, we have to ensure there are no barriers that can threaten this vital lifeline.”