West Devon tops list for England’s longest distance to GPs

Patients in West Devon have the longest distance to travel to see their GP compared with the rest of the country, new data has revealed.

Using the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Guardian Carers have identified West Devon as the English area facing the longest average straight-line distance to GP services. The study sheds light on the challenges of accessing healthcare in rural regions compared to more urban counterparts.

According to the research, West Devon secured the top spot with households facing an average straight-line distance of 3.98 kilometres to their nearest GP. This margin placed West Devon slightly higher than any other area in England.

Devon features prominently in the findings, with Mid Devon ranking ninth, where households are, on average, 3.15 kilometres away from their closest GP. Torridge follows closely behind, securing the 10th spot with an average distance of 3.14 kilometres.

A spokesperson for Guardian Carers commented on the findings, highlighting the challenges faced by many rural areas: “Many of these rural areas’ distance to a GP is inflated with the lack of infrastructure compared to more built-up areas.

"This is especially true if these same areas have limited to no public transport and in addition, the fluctuating price of fuel in recent years.”

The spokesperson explained the potential impact on healthcare accessibility and said: “A small check-up can be the difference between a quick and instant treatment to a longer-term health concern, and the distance needed to travel to a GP may play an important part in whether people make an appointment.”