Enter and view: Garstang Medical Practice

Healthwatch Lancashire undertook an Enter and View visit to Garstang Medical Practice on 1 December 2023.  They spoke to 8 patients and 6 members of staff.

The practice team were welcoming to Healthwatch Lancashire representatives and gave in-depth information about their services. Services provided at the practice were extensive and included GPs, Clinical Practitioners, a Paramedic, Practice Nurses, a Mental Health Team, Clinical Pharmacist Prescribers, Social Prescribers and many others. 

Garstang Medical Practice has an active Patient Participation Group (PPG) and both the practice and PPG were seen to work together in order to continually improve the patient experience. Healthwatch Lancashire representatives were greeted by the PPG Chair during the visit who was warm and welcoming and happy to provide information from the patient perspective. 

Overall patients were satisfied with Garstang Medical Practice and the care and treatment that they receive. Methods of making appointments varied with some preferring online and others preferring to telephone or call in; some patients found making appointments challenging at times whereas others had no issues. Parking was the main issue raised by patients during the visit. 

Staff were generally positive of their work environment and felt that they were able to provide person-centred care. Staff spoken with felt that training at the practice was good and that if they requested training which they felt would be beneficial to their role it would be provided. There were some issues raised around team division and communication, and some staff felt undervalued. There were also comments around how working on reception can be challenging.

The report contains seven recommendations about appointment booking systems, communicating test results, signage, the waiting room,, communication with staff and the PPG.