Thousands share views on new health centre

These are the key findings of Healthwatch Wiltshire’s survey, which asked local residents how they would like to access services at the new centre. The facility, on Marshall Road, will replace Devizes Community Hospital and provide a range of services all under one roof.
 
More than 2,500 people responded to our survey, which we ran on behalf of Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (BSW CCG) and local health and care organisations.
 
Healthwatch Wiltshire’s report, How people would like to access services at Devizes Health Centre, highlights how the public’s response to the new health centre is largely positive, with many looking forward to being able to access a wide range of services at a time to suit them.
 
But others told us of their disappointment that Devizes would not be getting a Minor Injury Unit, feeling that there was a need for one in a growing town. People were also concerned about how they would get an appointment at the new centre, and how their existing GP practice would work with the new facility.
 
Other comments included:

• The need for ample free parking to minimise stress to patients.
• The need for a fast, frequent bus service to and from the town centre so people who don’t have a car can get to the centre easily.
• Suggestions for accessibility and signage. 
• Requests for more women’s services, such as a menopause clinic.
• Concerns over a lack of x-ray and scanning facilities and an on-site pharmacy.

Catharine Symington, Healthwatch Wiltshire Interim Manager, said:

“Thank you to everyone who shared their views on Devizes Health Centre with us. While many are excited by the prospect of the new facility there were a number of concerns which we’ve highlighted to BSW CCG and the Project Board.

“We know that the CCG have listened to your feedback and have already started to look at ways of improving information so people will have a better understanding of what services will be offered, and how people’s ideas could be used to inform the project. We will continue to work with the CCG on how these changes can be implemented as the project nears completion.”  

Dr Andrew Girdher, Clinical Chair of BSW CCG, said:

"The feedback received has been invaluable, especially around important areas such as transport, accessibility and signage. 

"It has also been clear that the people of Devizes would like the opportunity to find out more about their new health centre, including what services will be on offer and how they can be accessed. 

"In the run up to the centre’s opening date later this year, the CCG will endeavour to keep the local community updated on the latest developments, and will also give people the chance to have their questions and queries answered by those closely involved with the project."