Frome and District Day Centre

Healthwatch Somerset undertook research on people’s experiences of accessing health and social care services through engagement with the Frome and District Day Centre. The engagement took place on 9 May 2016 at the centre’s luncheon meeting, which serves people aged 50 and over. The centre is attended by an average of 120 people each week, although the report does not specify how many people spoke directly with Healthwatch during the event. 

Following a presentation about Healthwatch Somerset’s role, staff and volunteers spoke with members in small groups to gather feedback and help people complete feedback forms. Participants raised concerns about the management of appointments at the new medical centre in Frome and reported difficulties with the way repeat prescriptions were sometimes managed by GP practices. 

The main theme identified through the engagement was dissatisfaction with GP appointment systems. Concerns about repeat medication processes were also highlighted as an issue affecting people’s experiences of primary care services. 

Healthwatch Somerset recorded the feedback and added it to its Feedback Feed Forward database for inclusion in its quarterly reporting. The organisation also planned further engagement with the group, including exploring opportunities for regular drop-in sessions to allow members to share their experiences in more detail.