Enter and view: Leighton Road Surgery
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Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire conducted two Enter and View visits to Leighton Road Surgery, a large practice serving over 20,000 patients and a practice team of over 65 members of staff including Doctors, Nurses, Dispensers, Therapists, Receptionists, Administrators and a Pharmacist. The visits took place on 24th January 2019 & 9th July 2019.
The entrance to the surgery was well signposted and well lit. Reception staff welcomed Healthwatch representatives, issued visitors passes and introduced them to staff. A private room was available for patients to discuss confidential matters with healthcare staff privately. Corridors are wide and can easily accommodate wheelchairs.
Patients could book appointments via System One, on the phone, or in person. However, many patients who spoke with Healthwatch representatives, or who completed the patient questionnaire, indicated that obtaining an appointment was extremely difficult and time consuming. In some cases, patients described having to wait up to six weeks to secure an appointment.
Healthwatch made several recommendations about the appointment booking system and the Practice's communication. This report does not contain a service provider response.