Share review of Westgate Surgery Kent
I have been a patient of this practice since the late 1980s. In the early years my children were the main users of the surgery for the usual childhood checkups and ailments
. When I first joined the practice I asked for a gp who would be child focused and was extremely likely to have been allocated Dr D Meakin . He proved to be patient , kind and understanding during some difficult times . My family and I were shown that our local surgery not only treated us with excellent medical advice but also with compassion and empathy .
As the years have progressed I have become a more regular visitor to the surgery with chronic illness which sadly resulted in me retiring from my own work within the NHS .
I was shown continuing support from Dr Meakin until his retirement and this has continued with Dr H Williams .
Dr Williams has had to quickly establish patient relationship with all of the surgery patients who like myself might have known a dr for many many years ... in my opinion she has managed this and has brought her own unique care and compassion to this surgery .
Over the years many local GP practices have lost the “ personal” touch and this looses something in what is known as “progress “ and NHS improvement .
I feel that many patients would agree that to be known by their Gp personally , gives them a sense of understanding and participation in their health care maybe a sense of “ working together “
With new practices being built to encompass large geographical areas something is being lost and forgotten....” holistic patient care “
Financial sense it might make but reduction in patient and medical staff stress it will not .
Westgate surgery at this time has incorporated new nurse clinics, excellent nurse practitioners and forward thinking drs who through their practice exhibit that “ patient service and satisfaction “ is at the heart of the team .
The area that could be improved is the reception and waiting areas . The “odd” divider in the waiting area adds nothing to enhance patient experience .
Also more “ health promotion” materials would be beneficial including maybe a weight reduction session which could be lead by a trained volunteer or similar . Weekly weighs with encouragement ..?
The venue could do with expansion and parking provision however this is another topic !!
Thank you very much for this feedback which I have shared with the team We really appreciate the positive comments and will discuss your suggestions when we next meet as a team Nicky Macdougald Practice Manager