Enter and view: Birchalls Health Centre

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Summary of report content

Healthwatch Walsall undertook an announced enter and view visit to Birchills Health Centre on 7 and 9 July 2025.  They spoke to 15 people

The premises appeared well maintained and clean. There is a small car park, but on-road parking is also available. Although Healthwatch were told that there is a hearing loop in place, there was no signage to indicate that it was available. 

The most favoured way of communicating with the GP was by telephone. Most patients felt that getting an appointment was positive. However, one patient said it took a couple of weeks.  Patients use various methods for booking appointments such as telephone, online and walk-in appointments.  Some patients expressed the need for more evening appointments as they worked late. 

Patients felt that they are listened to by doctors. Almost two thirds of patients had not heard of 'Extra GP Appointments' (an alternative GP access pathway). 

There were many positives about the service raised. The majority of patients felt getting an appointment quickly is a big positive. 

There were a few negatives raised. Some of those were around availability of early/late appointments for people that work.

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General details

Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch Walsall
Publication date
Date evidence capture began
Date evidence capture finished
Key themes
Access to services
Accessibility and reasonable adjustments
Booking appointments
Building, Decor and Facilities, including health and safety
Caring, kindness, respect and dignity
Communication with patients; treatment explanation; verbal advice
Service organisation, delivery, change and closure
Staffing - levels and training
Waiting for appointments or treatment; waiting lists for treatment
Written information, guidance and publicity

Methodology and approach

Was the work undertaken in partnership with another organisation?
No
Primary research method used
Observation (eg Enter and View)
If an Enter and View methodology was applied, was the visit announced or unannounced?
Announced

Details of health and care services included in the report

Details of health and care services included in the report
General Practice (GP)

Details of people who shared their views

Number of people who shared their views
15
Did you find this attached report useful?
10
10 votes with an average rating of 1.