Enter and View: Greensands Medical Practice

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire conducted an announced Enter and View visit to Greensands Medical Practice on 21st January 2016. The purpose of the visit was to engage with patients of GP Practices and understand how dignity is being respected, identify examples of good working practice and observe patients engaging with staff (clinical and non-clinical), and their surroundings.

Greensands Medical Practice is an accredited University Teaching Practice for Cambridge University. The surgery is located in a custom-built single storey building which is owned and maintained by the partners.

A warm, light and airy environment with all fire exits and toilets well signed. A hearing loop is available and patients can ask at reception for water, tissues etc. A good range and selection of information leaflets available for patients and public. The overall impression gained during this visit is of a well-run, caring and innovative Practice which puts the needs of its patient population at the forefront.

Recommendations

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire recommends that the Practice continues with its proactive promotion of the PPG to raise awareness of its existence and to attract new members to the group.

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire also recommends that in light of the responses to Q 5 of the survey, in which only one patient said they used the online system, that the Practice encourages the patient population to use the online services, and considers a survey of its patient cohort to discover any reasons why the online service is not more widely used.

Finally, Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire recommends that this report is shared with the patients and staff (clinical and non-clinical) of the Practice and to advise that if they should wish to contribute any additional comments about the report, to contact Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire direct.

Service Provider response

Thank you very much for the detailed report which we feel is an accurate assessment of our Practice visit. We acknowledge the recommendations made by the team. I have shared the report with the staff (clinical and non-clinical) and we will publicise on our website for patients to view.

On behalf of the Practice, I would like to thank you for visiting the Practice.