Enter and view: Newland Group Practice

This Healthwatch Kingston upon Hull Enter and View report summarises an observational visit to Newland Group Practice, based at the Alexandra Healthcare Centre in Hull, conducted on 24 April 2015. The practice served approximately 8,819 registered patients and operated from a purpose-built healthcare centre shared with another GP practice. 

The overall findings were very positive, with Healthwatch reporting that the practice environment was clean, well maintained, accessible and welcoming. Staff were observed to be helpful and supportive, and the practice was described as bright, calm and patient-friendly.

The healthcare centre provided a range of patient facilities, including automatic entrance doors, level access throughout, disabled parking spaces, accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities. Although the main car park was very busy during the visit, with some vehicles parked inappropriately, additional parking was available nearby. 

The reception and waiting areas were viewed particularly favourably. The waiting area contained approximately 30 seats, children's toys, books, magazines and a charity bookcase. Privacy was supported through a queue-management barrier and signage encouraging patients to stand back from the reception desk when waiting.

Healthwatch observed that patients were making effective use of the electronic self-check-in system, and appointments were managed through an electronic Jayex calling board with an audible alert. The reception area was considered well organised and easy for patients to navigate.

Patient information was readily available through notice boards, leaflets and displays. Information included Friends and Family Test feedback and a range of current health information. Healthwatch found the information to be relevant, up to date and accessible. 

The report noted that patient toilets, including accessible facilities, were clean, well lit and equipped with soap, hand dryers and appropriate waste facilities. Baby-changing facilities were also found to be clean and well maintained. However, there was no visible evidence that cleanliness monitoring checks were routinely recorded in either the toilets or baby-changing areas. 

Healthwatch concluded that the practice provided a high-quality physical environment and a positive patient experience, with good accessibility, effective layout and clear information provision. The only recommendation made was that the practice should continue to review and update the patient information displayed on notice boards in the reception area to ensure information remains current.