Enter and view: Abingdon Surgery

Healthwatch Oxfordshire undertook and enter and view visit of Abingdon Surgery on 26 September 2023. During the visit, they spoke to six patients and 10 members of staff.

Key findings:

• The surgery was very welcoming, clean and painted different colours; however, there was no welcome sign at the main entrance.

• The reception and waiting rooms were well organised and seats were available in different sizes and heights.

• Three different coloured waiting areas ‘Blue, Green, and Red’ help patients to easily navigate their way to the GP’s room. Comments from patients about the environment and efficiency of the services, and the attitudes of staff, were generally very positive.

• Patients said they generally feel able to raise concerns with the staff team about their treatment and care directly or by phone.

• Staff were accessible and friendly to patients and easy to talk to.

• Signage from the car park could be clearer in guiding visitors to find the way to the main reception area of the Abingdon Surgery.

• Face masks and hand gel were available at the main entrance before passing to the reception area.

• There was a water fountain available inside the reception office behind the receptionists, but there were no signs advising patients and visitors that there is a water fountain.

• There were no translated information leaflets on displays in the waiting areas. There was also no clear information on how to give comments and feedback despite the availability of the friends and family compliments box at the reception.

• The Care Quality Commission (CQC) report was not displayed.

The reports contains recommendations and a response by the service provider.