Enter and view: Oakenhurst Medical Practice

Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen undertook an announced enter and view visit to Oakenhurst Medical Practice on 8 July 2026.  They spoke to 26 people.

Oakenhurst Medical Practice is located within Barbara Castle Way Health Centre which is easily accessible for patients on foot or travelling on local transport and car. However, it was noted that some patients found the car park spaces difficult to park in and the car park was busy. 

The practice is bright, clean and hygienic and there is good signage within the Centre to direct patients to the practice. There is ample seating available in the waiting room with a mix of seating to support patients with mobility issues as well as quiet spaces for patients who would prefer these or for breastfeeding. 

The website is informative but could be more patient friendly with photos of staff and additional details about them. The “Who Do I See?” page could be better promoted by the Practice to address the concerns that staff have about patients not knowing what constitutes an ‘emergency’ and what conditions can be managed through self-care. 

Feedback about staff was generally very positive and patients felt that they had enough time with the doctor. The majority of patients stated that they would recommend this practice and from discussions, it was evident that some of the patients we spoke with on the day had recommended the practice to family members. 

The Practice has a wide skillset amongst the team to be able to meet the needs of patients, and they also link with the Integrated Neighbourhood Team and the hospital’s Intensive Home Support Service to support vulnerable patients