Older people in rural areas are the most satisfied with the process for making appointments, according to a new survey by health and care regulator the CQC.

4,000 voices, a survey of people aged 65 years or more, found satisfaction rates for making appointments for health and social care services in rural areas of 57 per cent, compared with a rate for urban areas of 53 per cent.

In total, one third (34 per cent) of respondents were dissatisfied with appointment making processes, including 17 per cent who are very disappointed.

In the last six months, the vast majority of people aged 65 and over have used at least one health service (94 per cent), including three in five who have used three or more health services (61 per cent). Pharmacists are the most commonly used health service (79 per cent), followed by GP practices including out of hours GPs (65 per cent) and dentists (55 per cent).