PATIENTS have voted GP practices in Bolton the best in Greater Manchester.

More than 90 per cent of patients in the borough who responded to a survey said they would recommend their practice to friends and family.

These new NHS figures rank Bolton's GP surgeries as the most highly-recommended in Greater Manchester.

The national friends and family test is a monthly single question survey run by the NHS, which asks patients whether they would recommend the service they received to a friend or family member who needed similar care.

The friends and family test has been running in hospitals for more than two years but was introduced in GP practices nationwide in December.

Dr Stephen Liversedge, clinical director for primary care and health improvement at the CCG said: “This is a great result for Bolton. I am thrilled that so many of our patients would recommend their practice."

Bolton's data was collected over January, February, March and April and showed 91 per cent of patients – 5,198 respondents – said they would recommend their GP practice.

This was the highest of any CCG across Greater Manchester with the lowest – 73 per cent – in North Manchester and the second highest – 90 per cent – in Stockport.

NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) launched the Bolton Quality Contract — the first of its kind in the country — on April 1.

It means all GP practices in Bolton now have to stay open between 8am and 6.30pm, ending traditional lunchtime and half day closing, to create 61,000 more appointments a year. It also guarantees children under 12 a same-day clinician’s assessment.

Bolton CCG has invested £3.4 million in primary care to fund the improvement in GP services — with the contract expected to save £3.78 million.

Dr Liversedge added: "When we speak to local people about their experiences of health services we often hear how much they value GP practices, but also that there are problems booking appointments.

“For this reason, improving access is a major part of the new Bolton Quality Contract with more appointments for all and same day assessment for children.”

The CCG is urging residents to take part in the friends and family test — whether they are patients at a GP practice or at hospital.

The test is voluntary and answers are confidential.