PATIENTS across Warrington are continuing to experience difficulties contacting some GP practices, securing appointments and navigating increasingly digital systems for accessing healthcare.
New evidence gathered by Healthwatch Warrington between January and October 2026 highlights persistent concerns about access to primary care, with residents reporting long waits on telephone lines, delayed callbacks and frustration at difficulties obtaining appointments.
While some patients praised their GP practices for providing responsive and efficient services, feedback suggests that accessing the right care remains a significant challenge for many people across the borough.
GP access has been one of the most common issues raised with Healthwatch Warrington throughout the year.
Among the concerns reported by local residents are:
– Long waits when trying to contact GP surgeries by telephone.
– Delays in receiving callbacks from practice staff.
– Difficulties securing appointments even after successfully making contact.
– Frustration at being directed towards online consultation systems.
– Additional barriers for older people and those with limited digital skills.
– Difficulties maintaining continuity of care and speaking directly with a GP.
Some patients have described spending considerable time trying to get through to their surgery, only to be told that no appointments are available once they finally speak to someone.
Others have resorted to visiting their practice in person after being unable to make contact by telephone.
Concerns have also been raised about callback systems and the growing reliance on digital tools as the main route into GP services.
Concerns over digital access
One of the recurring themes in the feedback has been the move towards online consultation systems.
While digital services can offer convenience for many patients, some residents told Healthwatch Warrington they struggle with online forms and digital platforms.
Others said they would prefer to speak directly to a member of staff rather than navigate online systems.
There are also concerns that complex digital processes could discourage some people from seeking help, potentially delaying access to care and allowing health conditions to worsen.
Healthwatch Warrington believes maintaining accessible telephone services remains particularly important for people who are less confident using digital technology.
Not all experiences are negative
Despite the concerns, Healthwatch Warrington stressed that feedback also included positive experiences of GP services across the borough.
Some residents praised practices for prompt callbacks following triage assessments, helpful and responsive reception teams, efficient appointment booking systems and good communication throughout their care.
These experiences demonstrate that timely access and effective communication can be achieved, although patient experiences vary between practices.
Local concerns reflect national picture
The findings broadly reflect wider national concerns about access to GP services.
The 2026 GP Patient Survey found that 56.9 per cent of patients in England who tried to contact their GP practice by telephone said it was easy to do so.
Although this represented an improvement on previous years, it means more than four in ten patients did not find telephone access easy.
Healthwatch Warrington said the experiences reported locally suggest patients in the borough continue to face similar challenges.
Healthwatch calls for continued focus on access
Healthwatch Warrington said feedback gathered between January and October highlights continuing barriers around telephone access, appointment availability and digital accessibility.
The organisation recognises that GP practices are working under considerable pressure and that many patients have positive experiences.
However, it believes improving access is about more than simply answering the telephone more quickly.
Patients must also be able to secure appointments, receive timely advice and access the appropriate care when they need it.
Healthwatch Warrington has shared the public feedback directly with GP practices to help them understand patients’ experiences and identify where improvements may be needed.
The organisation will continue to champion the views of local residents and highlight areas where health and care services could be improved.
Healthwatch Warrington is the independent champion for people who use health and social care services in Warrington. It gathers feedback through community engagement, enquiries, information and signposting contacts, surveys, outreach activities and experiences shared directly by local residents.
The information is used to help health and care services understand what is working well and where improvements may be needed.
