During our inspection of Dr Seabrook and partners we spoke with six patients. We met four of the general practitioners and spoke with the doctor who takes the lead for safeguarding. We spoke with four other clinical and administrative staff.Patients spoke highly of the service provided by the practice. They said 'They treat you properly' and 'You feel welcome when you come to reception or you ring them up'. One patient told us that they thought that the doctors 'keep an eye on you, they take an interest and monitor you if they think you're vulnerable' and that 'The doctor took an interest in me when I thought they might be too busy. They have kept in touch with me'. Another patient said that 'They keep in touch. They ring up when they need to'. Other comments made by patients included 'They followed-up ' even when there was no need', 'It's two way ' it's important to have a relationship ' they offer this to you', and 'They're not just doing it to you'.
Patients said that it was sometimes difficult to get an appointment with a chosen doctor. They said 'It is very good but it is very hard to get an appointment (to see your own doctor)'. This patient confirmed that they had been able to make an emergency appointment with another doctor at the practice. Another patient said 'It takes you a long time to get the doctor you want to see. I imagine it is the numbers (of patients) and you can't do anything about that'. A third patient said 'If you've got something you're worried about you can see any doctor'.
We looked at both of the sites from which Dr Seabrook and partners provide the service and also reviewed records.