GP Enter and View Report - The Ghafoor Family Practice, Rochdale

The purpose of the visit was to review how patients access GP services, including appointment booking systems, accessibility of information, and the overall patient experience. It was not possible to speak with patients in the waiting area during the visit due to language barriers. However, observations and staff engagement highlighted several key areas for improvement and good practice.

Quick Wins: 

Here are three quick wins which could improve the service and patients’ experiences at The Ghafoor Family Practice. 

1. To set up online booking system for patients to facilitate digital access 

2. To add call back option to the telephone system 

3. To update the practice name on all signs and website The Ghafoor Family Practice, Rochdale, July 2025 3 

The practice environment was clean and accessible, with good transport links and inclusive facilities. However, improvements could be made to enhance patient experience and access, particularly in relation to digital booking options, privacy at reception by offering a private discussion space and advertising this with a poster at the reception desk. 

Key recommendations include implementing a telephone call-back system, ensuring the waiting room TV is used, introducing an online appointment booking system, and consistent messaging around obtaining test results. These findings and recommendations have been shared with the practice, and a formal response has been requested in line with Healthwatch’s statutory role. For more information on this please click here.