Eastbourne GP surgeries accessibility audits

Healthwatch East Sussex undertook a series of independent accessibility audits at GP surgeries within Eastbourne between July and October 2023. They contacted all GP practices with sites in Eastbourne and visited seven surgery sites.

Key findings:

• The pathway surfaces surrounding three of the seven surgeries were in a poor condition, making access to the practice entrance difficult.

• Adequate space for disabled parking was only available at three of the seven surgeries visited.

• All seven entrances, reception and waiting room areas were observed as being obstacle free.

• Only four of the seven surgeries visited had hearing loops installed and only one of these had procedures in place to regularly check that the hearing loop is on and working.

• The quality of signage varied throughout the seven surgeries. Only two were observed to make use of large print, imagery and high colour contrast signage.

• All of the seven surgery sites that we visited were accessible via public transport, with a bus route within 0.2 miles (1000ft) of the location. Four of the seven practices also had train stations nearby.

• The interior and flooring of all seven surgeries were observed as being consistent in colour, pattern and materials making the spaces appear clear and non-disorienting.

The report contains recommendations and will be shared with the public, services, commissioners, and the local authority. Healthwatch East Sussex will continue to work with local practices to raise awareness of access requirements.