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 waits.
Evidence has also revealed that GP surgeries serving more deprived areas of the country receive nearly 10% less funding per patient than GP practices in richer areas. The changes to funding may mean that these practices could get more money to invest in their services.
Reception teams can play a big role in our experience at our GP practice, from booking appointments to inquiring about test results.
The latest GP Patient Survey, produced by Ipsos on behalf of NHS England, sheds light on patients’ experiences of GP reception teams across Merseyside.
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%).
However, not every GP surgery met expectations. Here we reveal the surgeries in Merseyside 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’.
9. Myrtle Group Practice - Heswall, Wirral
There were 270 survey forms sent out to patients at Myrtle Group Practice in Heswall, Wirral, and the response rate was 30%. 31% of patients said the reception team was 'not very helpful or not at all helpful.' | Google Maps
10. Moore Street Surgery - Bootle
There were 436 survey forms sent out to patients at Moore Street Surgery in Bootle, and the response rate was 24%. 31% of patients said the reception team was 'not very helpful or not at all helpful.' | Google Maps
11. Marshalls Cross Medical Centre - Saint Helens
There were 449 survey forms sent out to patients at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre in Saint Helens, and the response rate was 27%. 30% of patients said the reception team was 'not very helpful or not at all helpful.' | Google Maps
12. Netherley Health Centre - Netherley, Liverpool
There were 583 survey forms sent out to patients at Netherley Health Centre in Netherley, Liverpool, and the response rate was 19%. 30% of patients said the reception team was 'not very helpful or not at all helpful.' | Google Maps