Enter and view: The Family Practice

Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen undertook an announced enter and view visit to the Family Practice on 13 March 2026.  They spoke to 12 people.

The Family Practice is located within Barbara Castle Way Health Centre which is easily accessible for patients on foot or travelling on local transport and car. However, it was noted that some patients found the car park spaces difficult to park in. 

The practice is bright, clean and hygienic and there is good signage within the Centre to direct patients to the practice. There is ample seating available in the waiting room, however there were limited chairs with arms which would be more accessible for patients with mobility issues.

The website is informative however the staff page may require updating and its accessibility may need reviewing. 

Patients generally felt that the staff are courteous and polite, however there was mixed feedback from patients as to whether they felt that they had enough time with the doctor. 

The Practice Manager informed us that the Practice is working on quality improvement, however one of the main concerns from patient was the lack of ability to book an appointment. Consequently, some patients told us that they would not recommend the practice and either called 111 or attended Emergency Department instead. 

The Practice has a wide skillset amongst the team to be able to meet the needs of patients, and they also link with the Primary Care Network and Integrated Neighbourhood Teams to support vulnerable patients.