Enter and view: Woodstock Bower Surgery

This is an enter and view report by Healthwatch Rotherham. Healthwatch representatives visited the Woodstock Bower surgery to speak to people there about their experiences.

While visiting the surgery 10 people filled out a survey on their views with a further 13 going on to do this online, for a total of 23 responses. A number of staff were also engaged for their experiences.

In general feedback was positive about the surgery and how it is run.

There are recommendations in this report: 

● Alternative seating to be available in the waiting areas, particularly for those with mobility issues.

● Place staff names on the door of each consultation room.

● Ensure that all 3 TV’s in the waiting areas are working with translated information available where possible.

● The ‘Press here for exit’ silver push button needs to be made clearer by repainting or framing it.

● Ensure that if toilet facilities are out of action, alternative options are displayed for patients.

● Ensure that the Patient Participation Group information is displayed clearly and in alternative languages to encourage a diverse group.

● Ensure that the surgery complaints procedure is displayed clearly and the suggestion box is more obvious with new signage and pens and paper supplied.

● Introduce dementia friendly signage by adding some colour contrast to the white walls and signs. This would be beneficial to dementia patients but also help to introduce colour into quite a stark main waiting area.

● Consider alternative lighting if possible. Could a dimmer switch be installed for those sensitive to bright lights?

● Consider introducing a leaflet stand in the main waiting area to bring a more warm and welcoming feel. This would also help to provide patients with information whilst they are waiting. Consideration would need to be given to providing these in other languages where possible.

There are no follow up actions in this report. However the provider has responded to the report at the end.