Our aim is to respect, care for and treat patients the way we would like to be

treated ourselves.

The purpose of this survey was to target our primary service users and gain their views on the impact a

new build would have.

What they would like to gain from a new build and which services they feel are most important to them.

A total of 219 patients participated in the survey.

agree or strongly agree that the current facilities we offer are fit for the existing needs of our patients

As opposed to 21% who disagree or strongly disagree and 31% who neither agreed nor disagreed

48%

disagree or strongly disagree that current facilities are fit for the FUTURE needs of our patients

As opposed to 20% who agree or strongly agree and 34% who neither agreed nor disagreed

46%

as a result

of our patients are in favour of a new purpose built facility

83%

Building Requirements

Patients stated that accessibility is a vital requirement

of any new build with 43% stating that ample car parking facilities were a priority,

27% stating that being on a main bus route was a priority to them,

22% would like the facility to be within easy walking distance of the centre of town.

In regards to the interior of the building

61% would like more comfortable, spacious waiting areas

63% would prefer better privacy at Reception

With the proposed new build we can offer all of the above.

Our current facility is unable to offer spacious waiting areas, ample car parking or improved privacy at reception due to the layout of the building and the area that

we are situated in.

Proactive steps are needed to ensure the future of Brunswick House Medical Group.

We must listen to our primary service users and develop our services appropriately according to their needs.

The new build will offer new opportunities to develop the services we offer. The patients who participated in the

survey outlined the services they wished to see most at the new build.

81% stated they would like the new build to offer new specialist services and tests currently only accessible at that hospital

75% would like an on site pharmacy

70% would prefer the option of physiotherapy within the premises

59% stated Mental Health and Counselling services are a priority

51% would like to see teaching facilities for health workers to maintain current standards and also sustain services into the future

34% stated exercise on prescription would be a crucial service

24% stated teaching facilities for group sessions involving patients would be useful

Extended Hours of Opening

47% would prefer extended hours of opening each evening until 8pm

37% would like extended opening hours to include Saturdays

16% would rather extended hours included Sundays

Four patients in total commented in regards to extended opening hours.

Three of these participants stated ‘extended opening hours would help cut down the length of time it takes to make an appointment, working people are hit

the hardest’

One patient suggested that the Practice should have extended opening hours on

a weekend on a rotational basis.

Arranging an appointment

22 participants commented on difficulties regarding booking an appointment

Comments expressed by participants Total

Better system needed for booking appointments 8More appointments to be accessible online 5Wait time for appointments too long, would like to be able to book appointment within seven days

6More availability to see specific GP’s for ongoing continuity 6Increase in the amount of appointments offered 1

Design of the Building

17 Participants commented on the vital requirement to them regarding the design of the building

Comments expressed by participants Total

Ergonomic Building 1Increased Privacy to Maintain Confidentiality 1Ample Car Parking 7Increased Disabled Facilities 3Accessible and within walking distance from the City Centre 4Air Conditioned Rooms 1Intimate and Comfortable Feel 1Pram Parking Facilities and Increased Facilities for Children 1

Service Design

20 participants suggested possible additions and developments to the existing service we offer

Comments expressed by participants Total

Preventative measures and additional information on chronic diseases (extra health education etc.)

4

Offer facilities that are only available at the hospital at present

9

On site Pharmacy 2Develop services that are already in place 2Training opportunities for GP Registrars, nurses and administration staff

4

Improve communications between hospitals, surgeries and patients

1

The patient survey has identified many essential considerations necessary for us as a Practice to develop and improve our services.

In order for us to succeed well into the future the following must be addressed:

Building requirements including ample car parking facilities, disabled access, spacious and comfortable waiting areas, ergonomic design and structure and improved privacy to maintain confidentiality at Reception.

Service Features including specialist tests and procedures currently only available at the hospital.

Specific improvements to appointment system and additional opening hours to suit the lifestyle of our working population.

Misconceptions within the NHS

Two recurring themes throughout the survey are apparent:

Misunderstanding about the national GP shortage, offering of appointments is becoming a huge issue and many participants think that opening longer hours across seven days will provide extra appointments, in reality the number of appointments will remain the same but will be spread even thinner over seven days.

Misconception that Carlisle as a city can offer all of the services that a Medical Centre in areas with a larger population such as Glasgow or London can offer.