Enter and view: Dr Maria Coutinho, Trinity Medical Centre

Healthwatch Greenwich conducted an announced enter and view visit to Dr Maria Coutinho, Trinity Medical Centre, on 15 June 2017, as part of their scheduled visits to health and social care services to talk to service users and make recommendations where needed. Dr Maria Coutinho, Trinity Medical Centre has recently moved from Burrage Road to Garland Road Health Centre.

Overall the feedback HW received from patients on the new premises was extremely positive. The new building was shared between two GP practices; Garland Road Clinic & Trinity Medical Centre (moved in March 2017). The last CQC inspection rated it as ‘Good’.

Patients seemed to be pleased with the new premise location due to good parking and public transport links, though there was no signage on the outside for Trinity Medical Centre. The reception space is open, bright, clean, and fresh. The building is fully accessible and has good facilities. HW representatives learnt it was easy to get appointments and most people were impressed with the lack of waiting time. Treatment from staff was commended and the reception staff were friendly and approachable, also observed so by Healthwatch staff. Patients expressed their feelings of being involved in their care. Patients noted that receiving prescriptions was relatively easy. Not much awareness of PPG was there.

HW made the following recommendations:

Signage to the Trinity Medical Centre is needed externally and clearer signage needed internally to indicate where to find the reception desk.

Ensure light bulbs are replaced regularly to ensure the waiting area remains well lit.

Include information in the surgery about online booking services.

Names and photos of staff members could be displayed.

Poster or flyer about the PPG made available at reception or in the waiting area.

A comments or complaints box would be good to regularly gather patient feedback.

There was no response from the service provider.