Disability Voices Phase 2 report: transport and access to healthcare for disabled people in Lancashire

Healthwatch Lancashire undertook an announced enter and view visit to the Gynaecology Outpatients Department at the Royal Preston Hospital on 1 October 2025. They spoke to 17 people.

Healthwatch representatives were shown around the Outpatient unit by the clinical manager who explained what happens in each area and where patients go for appointments. The Outpatient’s department is situated within Sharoe Green Unit at the back of the hospital. It is all level access with a reception desk on entry and the outpatient department to the right of reception. 

There is a waiting area for patients with ample chairs, notice boards with support, a clear list of clinics with staffing and wait times for each individual clinic running on that day. The notice boards contain information about the staff working at the unit. There are three procedure rooms and eight consultation rooms. 

There are two patient toilets within the unit including a disabled toilet, these are next to the waiting area with ease of access to patients. There is also a water machine for patients to use at their leisure. 

Healthwatch Representatives spoke with a range of staff and patients on the day of the visit and spoke about how they feel about the outpatient unit including conversations about wait times, communication and staffing. 

Staff were observed being courteous and speaking with patients in a friendly manner. Staff came out to greet patients for their appointments and then took them through to the consultation rooms. Staff were observed to be speaking with patients whilst they were waiting for their appointments and checking they were ok. Staff on reception were observed to be greeting patients and helping them find their way to the unit on arrival. 

Overall patient feedback was positive, with them mentioning that they find the gynaecological outpatient’s staff friendly and how reception staff support them into the building. Some improvements mentioned are around communication around wait times, patient portal concerns and text message reminders. 

Staff feedback was positive, with many staff members commenting that they feel supported to do their role effectively and feel they have enough training to support their needs. Some areas for improvement included communication with patients around wait times, clinic times, making reception clearer and the cancellation process for patients.