As a GP, I know that getting an appointment when you need one really matters.
Every day, General Practice teams across Essex are working hard to care for thousands of local people.
I’m pleased to share that more people are now being seen by their GP teams than they were a year ago. In April 2026, practices across Essex delivered around 929,000 appointments. That’s almost 68,000 more appointments than in April 2025 – an increase of nearly 8%.
It’s encouraging that the 2026 GP Patient Survey found more than 74% of Essex patients rated their overall experience of their GP practice as good, with over half of practices improving on last year. However, we recognise these results also highlight variation across the county and that there is more work to do to ensure every patient receives a consistently good experience.
Many people tell us they value seeing someone face to face. The latest figures show that more than 616,000 appointments in April were carried out in person, an increase on last year. This means more people are being seen in GP surgeries when that is the best option for their care.
At the same time, we know that one size does not fit all. Some people want a telephone call, while others are happy to use online services if it means they can get help more quickly. The important thing is making sure people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Many practices now ask patients to complete an online questionnaire to request appointments or submit requests for our help. I know from speaking to my own patients that it can sometimes feel like an extra step or a barrier to getting help. Please know that this online access helps us to triage the significant demand upon our services, to understand your problem or request before we contact you, so we can make sure you are seen by the right person as quickly as possible. For example, you may need to see a GP, or a practice nurse, physiotherapist, pharmacist, or another member of the practice team. Some problems can be sorted out with advice over the phone, while others need a face-to-face examination. Online access helps us to triage and make these decisions more quickly and safely, so our patients can receive the care that best meets their needs.
(Online access is not for acute illness or urgent problems or emergencies. If you have an acute illness or urgent problem, contact your GP practice or phone 111. If you have an emergency, phone 999 or attend A&E).
Everyone should be able to access health services in a way that works for them. Online access is not the only way to ask for help, as some people are unable to use digital services, or simply prefer not to. GP practices shall continue to offer traditional ways to access care, such as by telephone or walk-in to speak to the practice team.
Community pharmacies also play a vital role in keeping people well and patients across Essex agreed. Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can now assess and treat many common conditions without you needing to see a GP first. They can also provide expert advice, help you manage long-term medicines and tell you when you should seek further medical care. Using your local pharmacy for common illnesses can often mean getting help sooner while keeping GP appointments available for people with more complex health needs.
An overwhelming 90% of patients said they had a good overall experience of pharmacy services when they completed the GP Patient Survey – higher than the national average.
These changes are part of a bigger picture. Across Essex, we want to help people stay healthy for longer, make it easier to get the care they need, and bring more services closer to where people live.
While change takes time, our commitment to our patients remains the same. We know there is still more to do to improve access and the experience people have when they need our help. Whether you see us face to face, speak to us on the phone, use an online service or get support from your local pharmacy, our goal is to make it easier for you to get the right care when you need it.
Your views are an important part of that journey. One of the best ways to help shape your local GP practice is by joining its Patient Participation Group. These groups bring together patients and practice teams to share ideas, listen to feedback and help improve services for everyone. If you would like to have a say in how your local practice develops, please ask your surgery how you can get involved.