Intelligence report Aug 2019 to Feb 2020

Findings 

• Many residents with learning disabilities told us they experience poor mental health and seeing their GP was the main source of support when feeling low.
• People with learning disabilities believe that there is a lack of understanding from service providers about their condition; being able to see the same clinician was incredibly important as they didn’t always feel understood by new doctors.
• 80% of patients at Oakview Family Practice rated access to appointments as “Very Good” or “Good”, they particularly appreciated the availability of emergency appointments.
• Healthwatch Lewisham staff were impressed with the service provided at the GP Extended Access (GPEA) service. The availability of additional GP and nurse appointments was highly regarded by patients who were especially grateful to be seen on the same day.
• Patients praised the quality of the treatment from the health professionals’ at the GPEA service and felt it met their needs.
• After raising the issue of blood samples being taken in the A&E waiting room, we were informed by Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust that our intelligence supported their business plan to convert a linen room into an appropriate space for blood tests which has now been approved.
• A high percentage of patients were having to wait up to two weeks to be seen by a doctor for a “routine” appointment. In certain circumstances, people were prepared to wait this length of time if they could guarantee being seen by a doctor of their choice.