Enter and view: Briset Corner Surgery

Healthwatch Greenwich undertook an Enter and View visit to Briset Corner Surgery on 31 May 2018. Overall, patients were positive about the service and rated the surgery as good, very good or excellent. The practice was found to be clean, accessible and generally well regarded by those using it. 

Patients were particularly positive about the availability of appointments, with most reporting they could secure appointments on the same or next day. Feedback about the GP and reception staff was generally favourable, with patients describing staff as helpful, approachable and willing to answer questions. Most patients also reported that obtaining prescriptions was straightforward. 

The main concerns related to the environment and communication rather than access to care. Healthwatch found the waiting area to be small, dated and lacking some key information, including details about translation services, the Patient Participation Group (PPG) and local GP Access Hubs. Privacy at reception was limited, feedback mechanisms were not clearly visible and appointment punctuality received mixed feedback. Concerns were also raised about one patient's experience of receiving an inappropriate response after disclosing suicidal feelings. 

Overall, Healthwatch concluded that Briset Corner Surgery was providing a well-regarded service, with patients generally satisfied with their care and access to appointments. Recommendations focused on improving the waiting environment, updating information displays, strengthening feedback opportunities, improving appointment punctuality and refreshing safeguarding training for staff.