Using a simple online scorecard, the initiative aims to hold a mirror up to PCOs at a time when practices face an unprecedented level of scrutiny.

Practices are under pressure from balanced scorecards, revalidation, patient surveys, practice accreditation, and face registration with the Care Quality Commission.

CLICK HERE TO RATE YOUR PCT

But there is often little chance for GPs to have their say about the NHS managers and organisations they deal with on a daily basis.

Rate Your PCT aims to give practices a chance to highlight PCO behaviour both good and bad.

GPC chairman Dr Laurence Buckman said: ‘This set of measures will be very interesting. It is an opportunity for NHS managers to experience the views of those with whom they work. It's almost always the other way round.'

He said PCO ratings often failed to reflect the experience of GPs: ‘They reflect their contractual obligations, they don't look at whether a PCT is nurturing or kind.

‘Most GPs would say what really matters is, "do they behave in a decent way to me, are they helpful when things are tough, are they creative in responding to problems".'

Editor's blog: How do you rate your PCT?