Dartmouth Medical Practice has thanked its patients for taking part in and giving so much to last week’s public forums.
This is the third time the medical practice has held forums, aimed at building a dialogue between the practice and its patients. Presented by Drs Andrew Eynon Lewis and Adam Morris, more than 50 patients attended the forums, held at Dartmouth’s Guildhall on Monday July 9 and Dittisham Village Hall on July 12.
This time the forums looked at a series of ‘Hot Topics’ including prescriptions, referrals to specialists and asked for the views of the patients on what qualities the practice should look for in its new partner, who will be chosen in the next month.
Patients said they want a Doctor who is a good communicator, has empathy for their patients, has a wide ranging experience and someone who is dedicated to being part of the Dartmouth and district community.
Dr Eynon Lewis said he was pleased with the engagement the new partner debate brought about.
“It’s very important that we consider patients’ ideas when we interview our potential partners,” he said. “We can now begin our selection process with a strong idea of the patients’ desires and can marry them to the qualities we are looking for and find the best possible candidate.”
The forums also featured presentations from Tracey Cunningham, matron of Dartmouth Hospital and Tom McEwan, lead for the Dartmouth and District Nursing team about how they work and how they work with Dartmouth Medical Practice.
As in previous forums there was also a chance to ask questions and there were some interesting debates and discussions between the Drs and patients, concentrating on the best appointment system for the surgery, opening times and how patients should be dealt with by receptionists.
The debates were interesting, wide ranging and challenging, a fact welcomed by Dr Morris.
“We are delighted people ask us difficult questions,” he said. “We need to see how the practice is viewed and understand how people want us to perform. These forums are designed to allow us to take on the feedback we receive and hopefully improve the quality of our service to the patients we serve. They are absolutely invaluable and we are so grateful to everyone who came along and got involved. We look forward to the next forums in early 2013.”
Phil Scoble 