Enter and view: Wheatfield Surgery

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire conducted an announced Enter and View visit to Wheatfield Surgery, on 4 April 2018, as GP practices are a local Healthwatch priority.

The practice operates from a purpose-built two storey building, all patient areas are on the ground floor with good disabled access. There is an independent Pharmacy located off the entrance lobby. The surgery is a registered training practice which has two GP trainers. The Practice Manager arranged for Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire Authorised Representatives to talk to members of their administration and clinical staff when available. However, clinical staff and GP’s were unavailable during the visit so discussions were only held with members of the administrative staff. Representatives undertook a tour of the premises to observe accessibility, including

disabled access, the availability of patient information and condition of the building.

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire had delivered patient questionnaires and a ballot box for responses prior to the visit in order to minimise disruption to patients on the day of the visit, unfortunately there had been none filled in by the time of the visit. During the visit, the clinical staff were operating quickly and efficiently so patients did not remain in the waiting area long enough for Authorised Representatives to conduct an interview.

The visiting team reported that, the overall impression gained was that this is a progressive Practice which is constantly streamlining its services, methods and approach in order to give its 13,168 patients the best possible experience.

The report made recommendations regarding signage and some minor maintenance and also suggested the provision of some play equipment for young children visiting the practice.

The practice responded positively and advised they had rectified the maintenance issue and also had added the suggested signage