How people would like to access services at Devizes Health Centre

In early 2022 Healthwatch Wiltshire designed a survey alongside Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire CCG, Wiltshire Health & Care and other clinical partners. The survey sought feedback from the local community about the new Devizes Health Centre, due to open late Summer 2022. The survey ran for 6 weeks, closing in March 2022, and could be complete online, over the phone or on paper. In total, 2535 responses were received.

The survey found a positive response to the new health centre, especially the chance to have multiple services under one roof, which would avoid long journeys, though people were disappointed by the lack of a Minor Injury Unit. People also liked the opportunity for more flexible opening hours.

There was some concern and confusion about the ongoing role of existing surgeries and whether these would be relocated to the centre. The survey also underlined the need to make it easy to get to the centre. For example, the need for ample, free paring was frequently mentioned, as was the need for a fast, frequent bus service to/from the town centre.

Healthwatch Wiltshire’s recommendations focus on increasing and widening communications with the local community and those who are already using existing services to provide a better understanding of the role of the new Devizes Health Centre and its existing relationship with other local health facilities.