Enter and view: Olive Medical Practice
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Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen undertook an announced enter and view visit to Olive Medical Practice on 14 June 2024 as part of their wider enter and view programme. They spoke to 11 patients, the practice manager and 4 members of staff.
Olive Medical Practice is located in Shear Brow ward and easily accessible for patients on foot or travelling on local transport to the town centre, being located close to Barbara Castle Way. However, parking was raised as an issue by several of the patients Healthwatch spoke with – something which is highlighted on the Practice’s website.
The practice is clean and hygienic, however it is in need of freshening up, with old posters, unnecessary equipment and tired paintwork making the waiting room look ‘tired’ and cluttered. The bathroom could also benefit from paintwork and attention.
The Practice’s website is informative, however some areas need updating, including contact details on the ‘Suggestions and Complaints’ page.
Patients generally felt that the staff are courteous and polite and that they had enough time with the doctor, however concerns were raised about being able to book appointments. The Practice may wish to consider allowing the reception/administration team to carry out some of the triage process to both free up GP time and meet patients’ needs.
There was lack of clarity around how the Practice supported its more vulnerable patients and double appointments are generally used for appointments requiring translation, rather than for accommodating patients with learning disabilities or additional needs. One patient whose mother did not speak English felt that a more personalised approach was needed.
Similarly there was a lack of understanding of social prescribing amongst patients and some staff members. The Practice has clear processes in place to support uptake of cervical and bowel screening, however it was felt that the local community did not understand screening. The Practice Manager is aware of the need to make plans for awareness raising work on breast screening in the practice.
Staff spoke highly of both the GPs and the Practice Manager and felt that they were approachable.
The report contains a response from the provider.