Avonside Health Centre

Receptionist was dismissive when I called

Called the practice this morning requesting to speak with a clinician, and found the receptionist to be quite abrupt and dismissive in their manner.

Easy online booking and appointment system

I received outstanding care at this practice. I particularly appreciate the convenient online features and have found the appointment booking process straightforward and accessible. The practice also demonstrated excellent organisation when arranging preventative health clinics. I would gladly recommend this service to others.

Receptionists helpful with appointment availability

This is a good and efficient GP practice that I'd recommend. During my time as a patient here, I have consistently been able to obtain appointments when required with my preferred clinician, and the reception team has provided helpful guidance regarding appointment availability. The clinician explains their clinical reasoning, promotes shared decision-making, and demonstrates compassion and care. They have clearly made additional efforts on several occasions. I'm very grateful for the service received.

Reception staff attitude makes phone calls stressful

The newer member of the reception team causes me considerable anxiety. I find their approach unhelpful and somewhat impersonal. On three separate occasions when I've contacted reception, I've felt frustrated and upset by the interaction. I have tremendous appreciation for the other reception staff members, who have consistently demonstrated kindness, understanding, and genuine care throughout my many years at the practice. They make me feel comfortable discussing my health concerns and have provided invaluable support. The clinical team are equally excellent. I would encourage the newer team member to develop a more empathetic approach to patient interactions. I find myself hesitant to call the surgery when I'm uncertain who will answer the phone.

Impossible to book an appointment by phone

Keep contacting me saying I need an appointment, but whenever I call there are no available slots. It feels frustrating.

Friendly reception made the visit pleasant

Excellent experience

Long wait times and poor treatment experience

This health centre is not of a good standard. The quality of care provided falls short of expectations. I would not recommend that anyone register themselves or their family members at this practice. The experience suggests there may be concerns regarding how patients from different backgrounds are treated.

Kind staff made me feel welcomed

I registered with this practice approximately a year ago and in my view, it stands out as one of the finest GP surgeries I have experienced. The entire team demonstrates kindness, warmth and professionalism. The standard of care I have received has consistently been excellent.

Empathetic doctors and a welcoming reception

The medical staff have demonstrated empathy and compassion in their approach. The reception area is well-maintained and the team there are welcoming.

Vaccination appointment process was frustratingly disorganised

Not particularly satisfied - I only tend to visit for contraception purposes. I needed to attend for some vaccination updates and had a face-to-face discussion with a clinician about what was required. I was informed I would need to schedule an appointment and that I would likely require one or two vaccinations. I made contact a month ahead of my planned trip and was asked to complete a risk assessment questionnaire. Despite having already provided all this information during my previous consultation and the practice having access to my medical records, I completed the form as requested. Due to my work commitments, they were unable to accommodate me for three weeks, so I had to call on the morning of my appointment. This was manageable. However, it then emerged that the initial guidance was inaccurate. I was required to physically deliver the risk assessment form in person rather than by email, even though the form contained nothing beyond what was already recorded on the system. Additionally, the three-week wait was unnecessary as I could have been seen sooner, though appointments with the clinician were limited to before 5pm. I was subsequently told I needed to submit my risk assessment form urgently during the week before my trip. When I arrived at reception, I was informed there were no available appointments that week. This felt like a considerable inconvenience. The procedures in place seem unnecessarily complicated, and for working individuals, meeting these requirements is extremely challenging. As a result of the delays, alternative providers had run out of availability by the time I could proceed. Would not recommend.

Doctor didn't properly examine or listen to concerns

Disappointing experience. As someone from France, I found the appointment quite surprising. I attended with a health concern and was seen by a clinician who did not introduce herself at our first meeting, making it difficult to identify her later. She indicated she would examine the issue but conducted only a cursory assessment while remaining seated at her desk. The appointment concluded within five minutes without any further discussion or questions from the clinician. I left feeling relieved to depart, as the consultation seemed ineffective and the clinician appeared disengaged or uncertain about the matter at hand. I would suggest considering alternative options unless your issue is minor or straightforward.

Staff were proactive with health monitoring checks

The team demonstrated considerable helpfulness and expertise, taking a proactive approach to arranging various tests and health monitoring checks.

Reception staff were dismissive and unhelpful

The reception team demonstrated a lack of professionalism that detracted from the overall experience. There was no continuity of care from a dedicated healthcare professional, and certain diagnostic services were not available on-site. The facility fell short of expectations for a health centre. The clinical staff appeared to prioritise moving through their schedule rather than providing thorough attention to individual patients. The visit was disappointing, and the service would not be recommended.