Enter and view: Oxford Community Diagnostic Hub

Healthwatch Oxfordshire undertook an enter and view visit to the Oxford Community Diagnostic Centre on 19 October 2022.  They spoke to 6 patients and 8 members of staff.

The centre is run by clinical and administrative staff members who are keen to deliver excellent patient care services.

Every patient spoken to felt listened to by the staff and other medical professionals they consulted. Staff were accessible and friendly to patients and easy to talk to. Comments from patients about the environment and efficiency of the services, and the attitudes of staff were generally very positive.

Improving internal communications between staff may help in improving quality of service, and between staff and patients may help the patient to engage with the centre and enable them to give timely feedback.

The signage to reach the centre does not clearly indicate the directions for patients to locate the building. Bus routes need to be improved, with a more frequent service, for patients to attend the centre, particularly those with limited mobility who may be dependent on public transport. The centre’s opening hours are not indicated anywhere, even at the main entrance.

All patients and visitors were required to wear face masks on entry to the centre. Reception staff provided a mask for a patient who did not have one. There was a clear sign inside the clinic highlighting rules for COVID social distancing and wearing a mask. There was hand gel available. However, some visitors were not wearing face masks and the visitors were not reminded by the reception staff to keep them on.

The patients inner waiting room could be more friendly through the provision of the opportunity to listen to music or watch television. No translated materials are available at reception informing patients about the complaints procedure and interpreting service.

The report contains 6 recommendations and a response from the provider.