Enter and view: Ingrebourne Medical Centre, Havering

Enter and View visit undertaken by representatives of Healthwatch Havering who have been duly authorised by the Board to carry out visits.

Finding of the visit:

• A clean and well-kept surgery in need of a makeover.

• Plenty of notices in the reception area, signposting patients to various services such as blood tests, the Patient Participation Group (PPG) and the GP Hub.

• Wheelchair access was good and there was clear guidance as to how to inform the receptionist of arrival.

• No electronic check-in for patients but this is not a necessity for such a small practice.

• A very good, very comprehensive practice leaflet which gives details of all administrative and nursing staff, details of how to obtain test results, and the out of hours service.

The website is also excellent and was last updated February/March.

• Online booking was available but not particularly well-advertised.

• No hearing loop had been installed in either reception or consulting rooms.

• Repairs completed as highlighted in recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) report.

• Staff have now received the requested fire training and all relevant training required.

• PPG mainly operated by communication via email and surveys. There are about 10-12 members.

• Practice nurses have undergone recent chaperone training.

Conclusions and recommendations:

• Sensible that this practice amalgamate with the practice next door.

• Improved nurse practitioner area.

• A loop system to be installed for hearing impaired patients.