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Improving access to GPs: young people’s views
Several things can be important to people when they register with a GP and make appointments to see the doctor. This includes whether the surgery...
The people we talked to felt that GP surgery waiting rooms could be improved in several ways to make them more appealing and welcoming to young people. Here are their suggestions.
Posters and leaflets relevant to young people
Paula felt that most of the information at her local surgery was about pregnancy, the flu and smoking, and that information on contraception and STIs (sexually transmitted infections) might be more helpful. Auberon and Gentian felt that there were no posters at their surgeries that were relevant for young people as they were all aimed at older patients. Posters of illnesses more common in their age group would be helpful. Kyle felt that topics of interest to young people included spots and skin health, and Winston thought that more information on sports injuries would be useful. Siobhan recalled that there were posters at her surgery about sex and contraception but nothing about mental health. Peter felt that leaflets should be tailored to specific age groups, and include information that’s social as well as health related, such as leaflets about meeting new people and relationships, and a leaflet about trusted health websites. Up-date magazines for different age groups would also be useful.
A more colourful waiting room with comfortable seating
Rowan felt that more colour could make surgery waiting rooms look ‘cheery’, and Nikki thought that a ‘warmer’ colour would be better for surgeries rather than a plain one. Louis felt that colour would ‘liven up’ surgeries and, if they looked more modern, they would feel more welcoming. Aphra recalled that her village surgery has ‘a really nice community feel’ and has art work on the walls made by children from the local primary school. Rowan also stressed the importance of having and being able to access Wi-Fi, and several people felt that having a TV in the waiting room would help pass the time when appointments were running late.
Several things can be important to people when they register with a GP and make appointments to see the doctor. This includes whether the surgery...
People gave us their ideas on what could help improve healthcare for young people, including: clinics for young people mental health clinics for young people...