Enter and view: Windermere and Bowness Medical Practice
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Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness undertook an Enter and View visit to Windermere and Bowness Medical Practice on 25 June 2026. The visit found that patients were overwhelmingly positive about the service, describing staff as approachable, professional, caring and compassionate. Patients reported that appointments were generally easy to access, including same-day appointments, and many valued the regular follow-up and support they received for long-term conditions.
Patients consistently praised the quality of care and communication provided by the practice. Staff were described as attentive and respectful, and patients felt listened to and kept informed about their treatment and appointments. The recently refurbished building was also viewed very positively, with patients commenting on its clean, modern and welcoming environment. The on-site pharmacy was highlighted as a particular strength, with several patients describing it as an excellent and accessible service.
The visit identified a number of areas for improvement. Awareness of how to provide feedback or make complaints was inconsistent, and some patients said they had never been asked to provide feedback. Healthwatch also observed issues with physical accessibility, including a loose step at the entrance, limited seating options in the waiting area, mobility scooters being parked in ways that obstructed access, and signage that could be difficult for some patients to see. There was also scope to introduce further dementia-friendly adaptations within the building.
Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness concluded that the practice was a well-regarded and patient-centred service that had improved significantly in recent years. Recommendations included repairing the loose step, improving signage and accessibility, providing a wider range of seating, increasing visibility of feedback and complaints processes, making Patient Participation Group information more visible within the surgery, and considering additional dementia-friendly features.