Balderton Primary Care Centre

Quick response saved my life

I noticed a concerning lump during a self-examination During a routine medical visit, I shared my concern with the nurse, who immediately took action and secured an urgent consultation with my general practitioner the following day The doctor approached the situation with great sensitivity and promptly arranged an emergency referral to the breast clinic, which I was able to visit just 4 days later, where they conducted biopsies that unfortunately confirmed the presence of cancer I am deeply grateful for the rapid response of Balderton primary care center, as my treatment commenced within 8 weeks of my initial conversation with the nurse. After speaking with other oncology patients, I learned that many have experienced waiting periods of 18-20 weeks to reach the same stage of treatment. Because of this, I consider myself extremely fortunate, and I attribute this swift progress entirely to the exceptional efficiency of the medical team

Terrible healthcare that leaves patients frustrated and neglected

A totally inadequate general practitioner service. They essentially force patients to rely on Accident and Emergency. The chaotic 8am appointment booking system is clearly not an effective method for managing a medical practice. Examining other online reviews confirms they are comprehensively letting down the local population.

Frustrating bureaucracy that wastes precious time and health

Appointment scheduling relies on a lottery method, with extensive waiting periods even if you manage to secure a slot. Mail processing is severely delayed, and correspondence from medical facilities can take an excessively long time to be reviewed by physicians.

Worst healthcare experience ever disappointing service

Completely worthless, might as well have no general practitioner at all. Securing a medical consultation is practically unattainable, even with a referral from NHS 111.

Worst medical experience ever terrible reception staff

The front desk staff are discourteous, curt, and disrespectful. They genuinely make you feel unwelcome when attempting to schedule an appointment, as if patients aren't already dealing with enough stress, the receptionists add to your suffering, seeming almost intent on discouraging you from booking at all. It's truly alarming how the healthcare system appears to be deteriorating.

Disappointing decline from once great product

Completely disappointing. Previously reliable. Steer clear.

Terrible wait times and no customer respect

Scheduled for midday, I wasn't seen until 12:35 without any acknowledgment of the delay. My subsequent appointment at 1:40 PM meant I had to leave and return, only to be kept waiting again until 2:00 PM. The level of unprofessionalism and disregard for patients' time is absolutely unacceptable.

Overpriced and unreliable medical service for patients

I could secure a same-day consultation if I wanted a medical letter for my son, with a £30 fee (as informed in July 2023, though I declined and obtained it free from the paediatrician). In actuality, I've been unable to schedule an appointment for myself or my children for more than half a year when medical attention or a doctor's consultation was necessary. I've even struggled to book a future appointment. As a result, we've been forced to wait at the urgent treatment centre.

Frustrating gp service with endless appointment struggles

I sympathize with the dedicated staff caught in an impossible situation. The morning routine involves calling at 8am, enduring a 2-minute monologue just to attempt booking an appointment, followed by a 30-minute hold, only to find no available slots. Trying to schedule a non-routine appointment is futile, and their doctor rotas seem nonexistent. Resorting to the mobile app for an online consultation about tonsillitis results in a doctor criticizing the app's inappropriate use. It's noteworthy that an American company is transitioning to a UK-based parent company. Operose Health Ltd is changing ownership to Osprey Midco Limited (HCRG Care Group), with Operose Health remaining the parent company overseeing contractors delivering daily services. NHS North Central London ICB is currently verifying the new provider's eligibility for a GP contract. Patients are advised to continue using their GP services as usual. Hopefully, this transition will lead to an improved GP service and reduce the pressure on their valuable staff.

Terrible service ruins my entire healthcare experience

Absolutely appalling booking process. I've never encountered such a disorganized scheduling method. Every attempt to secure an appointment feels like navigating a maze with no clear exit. The online system is clunky, unresponsive, and seems designed to frustrate patients. Wait times are ridiculous, and getting through to someone who can help is nearly impossible. What should be a simple task of scheduling becomes an exhausting ordeal that tests one's patience. Truly a terrible experience from start to finish.

Terrible medical care during a critical health crisis

If I could award zero stars, I absolutely would. Firstly, while I recognize that all medical practices are overwhelmed and understaffed, this doesn't negate their fundamental responsibility to provide urgent care when needed. I reached out to the surgery in extreme distress and pain, explaining I was experiencing miscarriage symptoms. After consulting the Nottingham maternity unit, I was told my GP must provide a referral for an Early Pregnancy Unit assessment. During my call with GP reception, I was simply informed: "No appointments available." Despite explaining the urgency of a potential miscarriage, I desperately requested even a brief doctor's consultation. Instead, I was redirected to the Sherwood women's centre, who then sent me back to my GP for a referral. Contacting my GP again, I was dismissively told to visit A&E, with no offer of medical consultation. This response is completely unacceptable and falls far below expected care standards. Forcing patients to overwhelm A&E departments for situations with dedicated medical pathways - particularly for a woman experiencing miscarriage who requires a specific referral and viability scan - is inappropriate and inefficient. After 15 years, I'm leaving Balderton Primary Centre. The quality of care has deteriorated to a point where obtaining an appointment or consultation is impossible, regardless of medical urgency. Since the permanent doctors departed, the practice now relies on locum staff and is fundamentally unfit for purpose. I'm transferring to another local surgery and strongly advise others to avoid Balderton Medical Centre. [Edit: After persistent advocacy, including waiting at the surgery and insisting on speaking with a GP, I eventually received medical attention. The doctor was sufficiently concerned to see me immediately and refer me to Kingsmill hospital. The gynecological team subsequently admitted me, indicating potential surgical intervention. Had I not been forceful, I would have received no medical review. While I understand appointment limitations, receptionists must recognize genuine emergencies and facilitate appropriate medical responses. Their current approach is entirely inadequate.]

Terrible customer service and zero communication

I've repeatedly reached out to this practice via email over the past seven weeks and have received absolutely no response. My attempts to contact them by phone have also been futile, with the office consistently unavailable due to ongoing training sessions. One can only hope that this extensive training will ultimately result in more responsive and timely communication.

Frustrating healthcare with one helpful receptionist

Absolutely appalling!!! There's one receptionist who's genuinely helpful and kind, but the practice itself is a complete disaster!! When I need an appointment, I ring precisely at 8am only to be stuck in a queue for up to 45 minutes, only to be told no appointments are available and to try again the next morning!! This cycle repeats endlessly!! On one occasion, I was informed they reserve appointments for a local care home, and if unused, they might then contact waiting patients. They constantly push you towards the doctor IQ app, where you're still waiting 5 days or more for any resolution. It's a massive practice with 5-minute appointments, so how can you be 20th in the queue and still not secure a slot??? What's the point of having a doctors' surgery right next door if you can't actually access it!!!! I strongly recommend avoiding this practice and finding an alternative!!! I'm definitely in the process of changing myself!

Terrible gp practice puts pregnant mom in danger

The staff at reception were shockingly inconsiderate, dismissing my urgent medical needs despite being pregnant with a severe infection. I was forced to wait 4 weeks and ultimately ended up hospitalized. My 5-week-old baby has now spent 10 weeks in hospital and shows no improvement after discharge. Both the district nurse and hospital require a GP referral for follow-up, but I've been told there are no appointments available, with suggestions to either wait in A&E or arrive at 8am with no guarantee of being seen. Their complete lack of prioritization and apparent indifference is appalling. When I mentioned the GP's busyness, I'm supposed to explain to my 5-month-old why he's suffering in agony and unable to tolerate any feeds? It's absolutely unacceptable. If I could rate this practice lower than one star, I absolutely would. At this rate, you're more likely to die waiting for an appointment or receiving any acknowledgment from these healthcare providers!

Fantastic service with a smile

An outstanding visit. The front desk staff was incredibly friendly and went above and beyond to assist me. Definitely worth checking out!

Terrible service and rude staff at medical practice

I called this morning to discuss my medication situation, as I've been waiting two months for a medication review. I'm unable to access my medication through the NHS app as usual due to this pending review. I've been calling for the past three months, and the staff I previously spoke with were pleasant and supportive. However, today on 7/9/2023, I encountered an individual who was extremely rude and condescending. I am thoroughly dissatisfied and will be emailing the practice's complaint department to file a formal complaint. I strongly recommend that such staff members undergo customer service training, as this behavior is completely unacceptable. Mr. P. Parr.

Devastating medical negligence destroyed my entire family

This medical practice is repulsive and deserves immediate closure. If zero-star ratings existed, I'd choose that. They've devastatingly failed two of my family members, ultimately causing my mother's death from undiagnosed cancer on 16/04/2018, just after turning 73, despite her repeated visits. Had they addressed her condition promptly, she would still be alive. Her blood tests were delayed and superficially examined, missing clear cancer indicators while incorrectly suspecting a stroke. No scans, no x-rays. Absolutely nothing. I was forced to travel from Buckinghamshire, enduring a grueling six-hour round trip to support my mother and brother. Additionally, my brother, who desperately needed urgent medical intervention, was dismissively handed a piece of paper and abandoned to manage his health issues alone. I'm now compelled to seek alternative assistance for him myself. These doctors' sole purpose seems to be dismissing patients without meaningful support while collecting their salaries. Nottinghamshire healthcare must improve their services, or I'll pursue their complete shutdown. Since originally writing this, my brother has also passed away on 15/10/2022, just after turning 56, again victims of their negligent care. Had they properly acknowledged and addressed his condition, he would still be alive. I'm now tragically left without a mother or brother, my family decimated by their appalling, animalistic treatment of patients.

Terrible wait time for urgent medical concern

I visited the medical facility today, seeking an appointment to address a golf ball-sized lump on my elbow. To my frustration, I was informed that the earliest available slot is not until July 7th, leaving me with weeks of uncertainty and concern.

Worst medical service ever slow and frustrating

Absolutely dreadful experience. They pushed me to use their drIQ app to submit information. While they claim a 24-hour response time, it took them 5 days, and with the late timing, I couldn't reach reception until the following Monday. The earliest available appointment was three weeks out, meaning a total of one month to secure a consultation. This is particularly frustrating because my online private medical service cannot assist me and requires an in-person examination due to my specific symptoms.

Terrible healthcare service leaves patients frustrated and helpless

Absolutely terrible service, spent two consecutive days calling at 8 am only to be told no appointments are available. They dismissed my son when he had a skin infection, forcing me to seek private medical care. I'm left questioning the purpose of having a general practitioner if we're constantly redirected to call 111 or visit walk-in centers. In my experience, these GPs are useless, with 9 out of 10 appointments never resulting in actual care.