The Government has recently announced plans to transform GP services in the UK, changing the current funding format, which is more than two decades old.
Research found that people living in more deprived areas and coastal towns often have the highest needs for the NHS, but the fewest GPs, the worst-performing services, and the longest waiting lists.
Reception teams can play a big role in our experience at our GP practice, from booking appointments to inquiring about test results. Patients in Lancashire have revealed how they feel their GP receptionists are performing.
The latest GP Patient Survey, produced by Ipsos on behalf of NHS England, sheds light on patients’ experiences across Lancashire and beyond.
More than 700,000 patients in England completed the 2025 survey, which was carried out between January and March this year, and gathers information on how patients feel about their doctor’s surgery.
The survey reveals how patients really feel about their reception and administrative team at their GP practice. Across the country, the majority of patients described their reception team as ‘very helpful’ (42%) or ‘fairly helpful’ (41%).
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However, not every GP surgery met expectations. Here we reveal the surgeries in Lancashire where reception teams have been voted the worst by you. Surgeries are ranked by the proportion of patients who said the reception and administrative team at their GP practice is ‘not very helpful or not at all helpful’.
7. The Richmond Hill Practice - Colne
There were 356 survey forms sent out to patients at The Richmond Hill Practice in Colne, and the response rate was 24%. 35% of patients said the reception team was 'not very helpful or not at all helpful.' | Google Maps
8. Blakewater Healthcare - Blackburn
There were 554 survey forms sent out to patients at Blakewater Healthcare in Blackburn, and the response rate was 24%. 35% of patients said the reception team was 'not very helpful or not at all helpful.' | Google Maps
9. Thursby Surgery - Burnley
There were 488 survey forms sent out to patients at Thursby Surgery in Burnley, and the response rate was 21%. 34% of patients said the reception team was 'not very helpful or not at all helpful.' | Google Maps
10. PWE Pendle Valley Mill Practice - Nelson
There were 585 survey forms sent out to patients at PWE Pendle Valley Mill Practice in Nelson, and the response rate was 16%. 31% of patients said the reception team was 'not very helpful or not at all helpful.' | Google Maps
11. Reedyford Healthcare Group - Nelson
There were 434 survey forms sent out to patients at Reedyford Healthcare Group in Nelson, and the response rate was 27%. 31% of patients said the reception team was 'not very helpful or not at all helpful.' | Google Maps
12. Arg Healthcare - Accrington
There were 570 survey forms sent out to patients at Arg Healthcare in Accrington, and the response rate was 21%. 31% of patients said the reception team was 'not very helpful or not at all helpful.' | Google Maps