Enter and view: Thornaby and Barwick Medical Group
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Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees conducted an announced Enter and View visit to Thornaby & Barwick Medical Group, an eight partner practice based on two sites, on 25th and 28th January 2016.
These visits were done after Healthwatch had been made aware of several issues regarding patient experience of the GP Practice, especially in the areas of waiting times for appointments, incorrect medication being issued, continuity of care with GP etc. The Healthwatch team met with the managers and receptionists at both sites.
A total of 169 patients responded to the questionnaires. The findings showed a high number of respondents could not see the GP of their choice and found the appointment booking system not easy. Observations made by Healthwatch at both sites showed the appointment booking system should be made easier and more accessible.
Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees made several recommendations to help improve the appointment booking systems, avoid the high number of cancelled appointments, encourage the use of a pharmacy rather than collect prescription from the GP and consider more accommodating opening hours.
The service provider thanked Healthwatch for their recommendations which they will consider and undertake to make developments to these area's and any further areas that are identified by the practices ongoing reviews.