Enter and view: Hurlfield Dental Practice

Healthwatch Sheffield gather information on people’s experiences of health and social care services and there are times when it is appropriate for Healthwatch Sheffield to see and hear for themselves how services are being delivered: these visits are called ‘Enter and View’, they are not inspections.

Healthwatch Sheffield visited Hurlfield Dental Practice on 30/11/2015.

The summary of findings highlighted areas in relation to patient feedback, staff feedback and observation. These findings informed they found a busy and well organised surgery, which had very positive feedback on the service from patients and staff. The building is very well presented but old, and much extended, which means there are some limitations to access, and to the modifications that can be done to improve access.

The recommendations within the report state some modification of doorways could improve wheelchair access: some on the ground floor could be made wider, and the entry door made easier to open or an electronic door system be installed. Exploration of patterns in the DNAs and /or a text-based reminder system may improve attendance and efficiency. To explore alternative storage options for paper records and archives, currently filling up one of the downstairs rooms, in order to free up space to provide a disabled toilet. To look at lowering a section of the existing reception desk for wheelchair users or provide another suitable alternative.