Enter and view: William Hopwood Surgery

Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen undertook an announced enter and view visit to William Hopwood Surgery on 26 March 2025.  They spoke to 11 patients and 3 staff.

William Hopwood Surgery is located in Audley on William Hopwood Street. Patients we spoke with found access to the practice easy generally. A number of buses travel near the practice but it is a 6 minute walk from the closest bus stop. 

The practice is bright, clean and hygienic and there is up to date patient information displayed well throughout the practice.

The website is informative and we noted that it has accessibility functions built into it including a choice of languages however Healthwatch did not see any function to be able to change font size and colour to make the website more accessible for different patient needs. 

The Patient Participation Group play an active role in supporting other patients in accessing digital services however it is noted that there is further education of patients required about this, care navigation and accessing the most appropriate service to meet their needs. 

The practice takes part in a number of initiatives to increase uptake of screening and vaccinations and offer long term health clinics. 

There is a good working relationship between the practice and the BwD Integrated Neighbourhood Team to support patients’ wider health and wellbeing needs. 

Patients Healthwatch spoke with were generally able to get an appointment within a reasonable time and did not express issues about long waits on the telephone. Patients also generally found that they had enough time with the doctor and that staff were courteous and friendly. 

“Did Not Attends” are an issue for the practice but staff now ring patients to increase attendance and are taking a different approach for diabetes reviews to encourage patients to attend the practice.