Enter and view: Priory Gardens Surgery

This was an announced Enter and View Visit carried out at Priory Gardens Surgery in Dunstable. The purpose of the visit was to: To engage with patients of GP Practices and understand how dignity is being respected; identify examples of good working practice; observe patients engaging with staff (clinical and non-clinical), and their

surroundings.

The Practice is housed on the ground floor of The Health Centre, a 40-year-old two storey building close to Dunstable town centre. The building is owned by NHS Property Services, and from the outside looks ‘tired and unwelcoming’, with a covered walkway adjacent to the entrance, behind large iron railings.

On arrival Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire (HWCB) Representatives, after signing-in, were met by the Practice Manager. Following introductions to the team, the lead representative briefed the Practice Manager about Healthwatch generally and HWCB in particular, the purpose and format of the visit, and the post visit actions.

The team subsequently visited various different areas within the practice and spoke with staff, both clinical and administrative, and to patients when and where convenient. General observations were also conducted which included access to the building, signage etc.

HWCB’s lead representative spoke at length to the Practice Manager who stated that he felt the practice was not very well supported by Bedfordshire’s CCG and the NHS. The Practice is operating at 100% room capacity and had asked for help to obtain more rooms, without success. The practice currently has 11,128 patients registered, with an imminent influx of 400 or more expected when another local surgery closes down.

The report includes 6 recommendations following the Enter and View visit. The report does not include a response from the service provider.