Balderton Primary Care Centre

Dangerous doctors destroy patient trust and health

Absolutely dreadful medical practice!!!! The front desk team is fantastic (incredibly pleasant and competent), but the physicians are catastrophically incompetent. I've experienced repeated misdiagnoses, and on two separate occasions, they dismissed my genuine health concerns by telling me I was fabricating symptoms and to "stop googling." Both times, I ultimately ended up hospitalized, including one instance requiring surgical intervention - and I'm typically a very healthy individual. They also mishandled a medical issue affecting my son, which prompted me to seek multiple additional medical opinions. Emergency care professionals immediately referred us to Mansfield hospital. I am currently in the process of switching general practitioners. I strongly recommend that everyone avoid this clinic!! It seems like this is the last-resort workplace for doctors who couldn't secure employment elsewhere.

Nicola made my doctor's visit surprisingly pleasant

What a delightful interaction with an exceptional front desk staff member. Nicola demonstrated remarkable attentiveness, posed insightful questions, and transformed what typically feels like an intimidating medical office call into a genuinely pleasant encounter. Kudos to Nicola for maintaining such outstanding customer service.

Terrible service and no help for my knee pain

I've been trying to secure a medical appointment since March 31st, calling precisely at 8am every single day until April 6th, but without success. On Wednesday, I was advised to contact 111, which then directed me to A&E. I spent 5 grueling hours waiting before being seen, ultimately receiving a 7-day naproxen prescription to manage my pain. The nurse explicitly noted the urgency of obtaining a GP appointment. When I called again on April 6th, explaining my A&E visit and prescription, the receptionist was completely indifferent and scheduled me for the following Tuesday. I'm absolutely furious that despite calling at 8am sharp for six consecutive days, I've been unable to secure an appointment. I start work at 8am daily, making walk-in visits impossible - a fact I've repeatedly explained. My physically demanding job requires me to be on my feet constantly, and this knee pain is severely impacting my work performance. The healthcare system's response is utterly unacceptable and demonstrates a complete lack of patient care.

Dangerous medical mistake puts my life at risk

Got completely incorrect insulin delivery and was dismissed when I raised concerns. When I explained I was running out of insulin, their advice was to call emergency services - absolutely ridiculous medical practice that's totally unprofessional.

Terrible service with zero compassion for patient

I called to schedule a consultation early in the morning and was left on hold for over half an hour before anyone answered. When I explained my situation and requested an appointment due to my severe discomfort, I was abruptly cut off and informed that no slots were available that day, with instructions to call back the following day for an emergency slot. The staff showed no understanding or sympathy when I became distressed about my condition, making me feel like an unwelcome nuisance for seeking medical assistance. Upon asking for guidance, I was curtly advised to contact 111 or visit urgent care. The surgery displayed a complete lack of compassion, care, or support. Fortunately, urgent care directed me to KMH immediately, where I was diagnosed with appendicitis. The urgent care and KMH provided exceptional service - perhaps Balderton surgery could learn from their approach to patient care. How ironic that a medical practice meant to support patients could be so dismissive and unhelpful.

Terrible healthcare with zero respect or accountability

I submitted a complaint back in November. Today, at the end of February, I received a written response. The practice manager, in sheer delusion, claims my complaint isn't valid. Apparently, they believe they're acting as some sort of legal arbiter. I wasn't seeking their judgment. My complaint came after years of systemic incompetence, triggered by a nurse who habitually uses condescending terms like "love" and similarly patronizing nicknames, who jabbed me and swore. Interestingly, that wasn't even the core of my complaint. I was making casual conversation about my long-standing anaemia, which I'd already sought private treatment for, rendering the discussion essentially irrelevant. Yet the nurse felt compelled to challenge my consultant's diagnosis - a remarkable display of assumed medical expertise. I have zero intention of returning and essentially sent the complaint to provide management insight into their staff. Instead, I received a rambling four-page response that completely derails the issue and casually mentions standard appointment wait times of 2-4 weeks - conveniently overlooking my actual three-month wait. I can walk away from this organizational disaster. The manager, however, must continue managing, and is either spectacularly misjudging the situation, completely disconnected from staff dynamics, or desperately attempting damage control given the numerous negative social media reviews. The practice's approach suggests a fundamental disregard for patient experience. I recommend recording all interactions, as staff can document anything, and with a management team seemingly uninterested in genuine feedback, personal documentation becomes crucial. Moreover, the manager inappropriately accessed my medical records without explicit consent - a potential GDPR violation - and mischaracterized my engagement, ignoring that I ultimately sought private care. The contrast in treatment quality between NHS and private healthcare is telling. Let's not forget: we collectively fund this system through substantial national insurance contributions. This healthcare provider operates essentially as a profit-driven enterprise, reflected in their poor patient ratios and constrained budget. The practice has long since abandoned its original values. Having been a patient since its early days, I've witnessed its steady decline. Someone must be held accountable. I don't require a response. This situation is beyond my control.

Rude receptionist ruins patient's medical experience

I recently contacted the Balderton surgery's front desk to discuss my situation and was met with the most discourteous, disrespectful receptionist I've encountered in a medical setting. In contrast, most staff members are typically professional and considerate, especially given the challenging nature of their role and the diverse range of patients they interact with daily.

Caring staff helped calm my worried parent mind

I phoned the clinic during the day, anxious about my infant, and was promptly attended to as the first caller. The front desk staff member was incredibly kind, briefly placed me on hold, and then confirmed she had registered us for a return call. Though we waited approximately an hour, the physician was comforting and genuinely listened to our concerns. My gratitude goes out to the entire team.

Terrible service from unhelpful medical practice

I attempted to contact the clinic at 8am and endured a lengthy hold time exceeding an hour, so I decided to retry later to obtain antibiotics, given that I'm past 36 weeks pregnant and feeling incredibly unwell. Upon calling back as previously suggested, I was left on hold for 90 minutes only to be informed they could provide no assistance. I subsequently visited the surgery in person to find it completely deserted, which is typical. When I initially registered with this practice, the receptionists were friendly and supportive, but now they've become discourteous. I'm struggling to secure a basic prescription, and they appear to deliberately obstruct patients from scheduling appointments, giving the impression that they're utterly indifferent and unwilling to answer incoming calls.

Worst medical practice ever terrible customer service

I'd rate this zero stars if possible. I spent a full hour on hold only to receive absolutely no assistance. Whenever I request to speak with the practice manager, they're conveniently unavailable, with endless excuses. Another hour wasted on the prescription line, where I was informed they don't handle prescription requests and that I must physically visit the surgery to submit my request, despite feeling unwell. What purpose does a prescription line serve if it provides no actual support? The overwhelming stress caused by this medical practice and their complete inability to offer timely medical assistance is infuriating. Their service is utterly disappointing and completely unacceptable. This surgery is a total waste of space and represents the most useless, unhelpful medical service I've ever encountered.

Terrible service and misleading opening hours

frustrating experience. i arrived early, well before the scheduled surgery hours, and attempted to contact them at 8:30am during their stated open time. now it's 8:44am, and after making 15 separate call attempts, i cannot get through. what's the point of advertising your opening time if you're not actually accessible?

Horrible service with rude and unhelpful staff

If I could rate this zero, I absolutely would. I signed up last month after reading reviews, thinking it couldn't be that terrible. Spoiler alert: it is!!! I've attempted 4 separate times to schedule an appointment for my child with zero success, instead wasting hours in the emergency room. This morning, I called at 8am, endured a 30-minute queue, and finally got a doctor's callback. I explained my 2-year-old has had a horrific cough since last Thursday - yet still no face-to-face appointment. Waiting all day yielded nothing by 1pm, so I called again and politely inquired about a potential timeframe, only to be met by an incredibly rude receptionist who interrupted me, abruptly saying "NO" and sarcastically commenting they can't predict on-the-day appointments. When I tried highlighting my son's age and potential scheduling challenges, their dismissive response was equally unhelpful. The staff seem deliberately obstructive, seemingly uninterested in providing any meaningful service. While I understand staffing might be challenging, their attitude is inexcusable. If they're this disinterested in helping patients, they shouldn't be working in healthcare at all!!!! Absolutely avoid at all costs.

Worst medical practice ever avoid at all costs

Utterly appalled by the complete disregard shown by the staff in this establishment. This place hardly qualifies as a medical practice and certainly doesn't merit being called a doctor's surgery. Indifferent, unreachable, vacant, and seemingly non-existent. The reception staff operate like a totalitarian regime, and their app is equally useless. I've been forced to use the walk-in centre in Newark multiple times due to the utter impossibility of receiving any semblance of care from this organization, which deserves to be shut down, reported to the highest authorities, and sued for negligence. Widely known as potentially the worst medical practice in the area, if not the entire country, it warrants nothing short of the most scathing review possible. Needing treatment today, I was let down once again, so off to the walk-in centre to queue and be seen by already overworked nurses earning far less than GPs who seemingly couldn't care less about serving the community. At least the walk-in centre staff demonstrate genuine compassion, and I'll likely see a doctor at some point today. I'll be transferring to another surgery as soon as possible, especially before reaching an age where medical care becomes more critical. My heart breaks for elderly patients or those with chronic conditions who must endure this abysmal level of service. They'll simply ignore you until you're beyond help.

Terrible customer service at local business

Completely uncooperative employees who seemed disinterested in providing any meaningful assistance or resolving my concerns. Their lack of customer service was frustrating and made my entire experience incredibly disappointing.

Terrible medical care and unresponsive complaint handling

This medical practice merits a negative evaluation. I raised concerns about clinical inaccuracies in my medical documentation on 26 June 2022. My complaint remains unaddressed! On 8th September, I was invited to a meeting with the clinical Area Manager. He acknowledged my complaint and promised that action would be taken, with a commitment to provide a written response. Seven weeks later, I still have received no reply! I have sent two letters specifically addressed to Dr Oke, which he has entirely disregarded. If the clinical lead demonstrates such minimal concern for patient safety, how can anyone be confident that the clinical staff will deliver safe care? This surgery is absolutely unacceptable! I strongly recommend that anyone wishing to file a complaint against this practice should route their concerns through NHS England, as the surgery consistently dismisses patient complaints!

Terrible healthcare leaving patients frustrated and neglected

Completely revolting service, with constant nurse appointment cancellations preventing essential diabetic screenings. My daughter endured almost a fortnight waiting for a mere phone consultation, and when she finally spoke with the doctor, they showed zero interest in her concerns. Despite her feeling lightheaded and unwell, the physician flatly denied her an in-person appointment. The situation has become so dire that I'm seriously considering reporting this to the Care Quality Commission. The inability to access medical care is absolutely unacceptable.

Quick and efficient medical support saves the day

Exceptional service and staff. Despite the challenges of the past year, Dr.IQ provides a swift and streamlined approach to obtaining medication and scheduling appointments. The practice has successfully returned to its previous high standard of care.

Frustrating wait for critical health information

My spouse is forced to endure a frustratingly long five-week wait just to consult a physician and receive his blood test findings, and lo and behold, one of the results indicates an issue! Truly impressive work, National Health Service.

Terrible healthcare service leaves patient in despair

Total embarrassment, the front desk personnel were incredibly unhelpful. I was supposed to see a specialist and initially, the receptionist claimed they'd email about transferring my appointment to another county while I'm away. After three weeks of silence, I attempted to call again. Following the standard thirty-minute wait, I was given a useless phone number. When I tried scheduling a phone consultation with my doctor and emphasized the urgency due to increasingly unbearable pain, I was informed there's a three-week wait for a mere two-minute phone call. Frustrated, I sarcastically suggested they give me the Samaritans' number, at which point she abruptly ended the call.

Friendly reception staff make all the difference

I wanted to express my gratitude for the exceptional reception team. I understand they've been facing challenges recently, but every interaction my daughter and I have had has been wonderful. The staff have been incredibly helpful, addressing our inquiries and accommodating our appointment requests with ease. Even the new team members have been fantastic, providing outstanding service. I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge how much we've appreciated their support and dedication over the past few months. Samantha Jackson