Frequently asked questions

How do I take part in the survey?

We will be inviting you to take part in the survey online. Taking part online is cheaper for the NHS.

However, some people will also be sent a paper questionnaire in the post in February.

To take part online, scan the QR code on your invitation letter or go to www.gpsurvey.net/login and enter your personal survey code (printed on the letter).

You may also receive text message, email, WhatsApp or NHS App reminders to take part in the survey. These reminders will also include a unique link which enables you to take part online without needing to enter your personal survey code. Some text messages will also include a link to an e-letter inviting you to take part, which will also also enable let you to take part online without needing to enter your personal survey code.

You can take part online in one of 14 different languages or British Sign Language. Paper versions are available in Braille and large print. To request these, either call the Freephone helpline (0800 819 9135) or email GPPatientSurvey@ipsos.com.

If you are unable to take part online, please see our FAQ ‘What if I can’t take part online’ below.

How do I use the QR code to take part in the survey?

A QR code is a special type of barcode that contains your unique link to the online GP Patient Survey. To use the QR code scan it by hovering your smartphone camera over the square. Follow the link that pops up on your screen to go directly to the online survey. You don’t need to enter your survey code.

What if I can’t take part online?

If you cannot take part in the survey online and need help, please contact Ipsos on Freephone 0800 819 9135 or email GPPatientSurvey@ipsos.com. You can request a paper survey from our helpline team by 5pm on 26 January.

Do I have to answer all the questions?

Answering any of the questions, including any demographic questions in the 'Some questions about you' section, is completely voluntary. This means you don’t have to answer them all. However, we hope you will answer as many questions as possible, as this will give us the best possible picture of your experiences.

The online survey will automatically skip some questions that are not relevant to you, based on your previous answers. If you take part using the paper questionnaire, please follow the instructions carefully.

I have a complaint or comment about my GP practice that is not covered by the survey. How do I tell someone about this?

Ipsos cannot help you with any other question or complaint you may have about your doctor, nurse or GP practice. Ipsos is only running the GP Patient Survey on behalf of NHS England.

If you want to make a comment about your GP practice, you can provide written feedback in other ways. For example, your GP practice should offer the Friends and Family Test (FFT) which lets you leave comments about your experience. You can also give feedback on services you have received by posting comments on websites such as Care Opinion. Further information on how to give feedback can be found on the NHS England website at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/participation/get-involved/how/feedback/

If you want to complain about the service or care your GP practice provides, you can choose whether to complain directly to the practice or to the commissioner, which is the organization that pays for the service or care you received. For GP services, the commissioner is your local Integrated Care Board (ICB). Very often the practice will be able to resolve the matter for you locally. If you choose to complain to your local ICB, you can find out how to contact them on this website: NHS England » Contact your local integrated care board (ICB)

More information about making a complaint can be found on the following website:

NHS England » Feedback and complaints about NHS services