THE patient satisfaction survey shows that Bolton’s GPs are rated slightly better than the national average by their patients.

Patients in Bolton have an 85 per cent satisfaction rate with their GPs, above the national average of 84 per cent.

Every year this patient survey is carried out by Ipsos MORI on behalf of NHS England.

READ MORE: Bolton GP pratings - the full list

Last year Pikes Lane Centre in Deane Road came out on top with Halliwell Surgery close behind in second.

This year’s winner Mandalay still did well in 2017 ­— it was fifth.

Clinical director of primary care and health improvement, Stephen Liversedge said: “It is pleasing to note that Bolton GPs are above the national average for patient satisfaction.

“This survey doesn’t quite have the number of respondents we would ideally like.

“All our Bolton GP practices continue to strive for high standards in the face of increasing workload and workforce challenges.”

READ MORE: Bolton GP patient satisfaction survey - Top and bottom

Bolton’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) runs the Bolton Quality Contract with its GPs where practices are set additional targets for practices with a financial incentive for doing so.

The CCG used the contract to improve opening times around the borough, screenings and best care practices around problems like diabetes and heart failure.

These targets are used to award additional financing to surgeries.

The top surgeries for meeting these targets are Egerton & Dunscar Health Centre in Darwen Road, The Dunstan Partnership in Breightmet Fold Lane and Pikes Lane Medical Centre in Deane Road.

At the bottom of the CCG list is Bolton General Practice in Marsden Road, Shanti Medical Centre in St Helens Road and Kearsley Medical Centre in Jackson Street.