Bolton Foundation Trust - Ophthalmology Snapshot

Healthwatch Bolton undertook research on patient experiences of the Ophthalmology Department at Royal Bolton Hospital. They spoke to 13 people attending the clinic on 2 August 2018 to understand their experiences of appointments, waiting times and service quality.

Most people were regular attendees receiving ongoing treatment or monitoring and were generally satisfied with the service. Patients described staff as kind, helpful and caring, and several commented positively on the consistency of care and the way staff took time to explain treatment and answer questions. Regular patients felt appointments were arranged appropriately, particularly where ongoing conditions required close monitoring. 

The main concern raised was waiting times. While waiting periods for appointments varied depending on the type of treatment required, some patients reported waiting several months for appointments and around 30 minutes to over an hour in clinic before being seen. A small number of people also highlighted difficulties with signage, suggesting that signs for the eye clinic were too small and difficult to read, while one person suggested air conditioning would improve comfort in waiting areas. 

Healthwatch Bolton concluded that patients were generally very happy with the service and appointment arrangements. They recommended reviewing waiting times within the clinic and improving signage to make the department easier to find, particularly given that many patients attending have visual difficulties. Bolton NHS Foundation Trust accepted the findings and agreed to consider the concerns raised about signage.