Enter and view: Prescott Surgery

Healthwatch Shropshire undertook an Enter and View visit to Prescott Surgery on 23 January 2020 as part of a programme of visits to discuss appointments and see how they are offering extended access appointments.

They spoke to the Practice Manager and the Chair of the Patient Participation Group (PPG), ten patients and 2 reception/pharmacy staff. They looked at the waiting room and at notice boards to see what information was available to patients, especially regarding Extended Access appointments.

Prescott Surgery serves a mainly rural area. The surgery is accredited as being Dementia Friendly. The number of patients at the surgery is increasing but within manageable limits. There is a comprehensive range of services offered listed on the website, but not in the waiting room.

Extended Access information is in both the waiting area and on the website but not very prominently displayed. Signposting to other health professionals is used if patients are willing to tell reception staff the nature of the issue when they call to make an appointment.

There is a friendly ethos within the workplace. Patients are very satisfied with the availability of appointments and the service the Practice provides. Extended Hours are offered, but not routinely. Distance to participating Extended Hours surgeries is a possible issue.

There were 3 recommendations about improving awareness of extended access appointments. 

There was no response from the provider to the recommendations at the time of publication.