Figures from NHS Dorset have revealed that the county has the second-longest wait time for patients getting an appointment after 28 days. 

In total 6.88 per cent of Dorset patients have waited longer than a month for a GP appointment from December 2022 to May 2025.

This equates to 370,827 appointments from a total of 5,391,002, which were held by doctors across the county.

A new study by elderly care firm GuardianCarers.co.uk reveals that only NHS Gloucestershire had a higher percentage of patients (8.59) waiting for appointments over 28 days in England.

Renate Winkler, Managing Director of GuardianCarers.co.uk said: “Reports indicating extensive wait times for GP appointments in regions like Gloucestershire, Dorset, and Norfolk and Waveney are ultimately incredibly troubling. These prolonged waits not only inconvenience patients but also pose potential risks to their health outcomes. 

“Timely access to primary healthcare services is absolutely essential for early intervention and, most importantly, prevention of health issues becoming more serious.

“Addressing the underlying factors contributing to these lengthy waits, whether they stem from resource shortages, system inefficiencies, government funding or other challenges, is imperative to ensure better access to healthcare for all individuals in these areas.

“With many debates on funding ongoing within the government across numerous health sectors, it will be interesting to see if any funding is granted to the NHS areas that rank highly on this list to help tackle these alarming wait times.”

A recent GP survey showed that 81 per cent of people who responded said their overall experience of their GP practice was good or very good.

Dr Paul Johnson, NHS Dorset Chief Medical Offer, said that patient satisfaction ‘remains high’ across the county and that GPs across the ‘continue to offer high levels of access and care,’ despite rising demand.

NHS Dorset  said that around half a million appointments are delivered every month in general practice across Dorset with over 45 per cent of patients  seen on the same day or next day in May.

Eight per cent of patients were seen within two weeks in the same month whilst 65 per cent of appointments are face to face – higher than the English average.

A Health Insights survey also reveals that 73 per cent of patients were able to see their preferred health care professional face to face.

Dr Johnson added: “We continue to work with practices to improve access and patient experience through digital tools, stronger community links and access to a wider team of healthcare professionals.”