Bishops Close Medical Practice

Friendly staff made me feel welcome

I have been attending this practice for a considerable time and have consistently found the reception staff, clinicians, and nursing team to be pleasant and approachable.

Getting through on the phone takes a bit of effort

I recently relocated to the area and needed to register with a new medical practice. I selected one at random from the several surgeries located nearby. I had some concerns before booking my initial appointment after reading various online reviews, but I decided to proceed regardless. During my visit for a routine injection appointment, I was welcomed warmly by the receptionist and directed to the waiting area. I was called through promptly by one of the nursing staff members. The nurse was genuinely pleasant and made me feel completely comfortable throughout the appointment, handling everything with care and attentiveness. Overall, I have found this medical practice to be of a high standard. While contacting the surgery can occasionally present minor challenges, I have consistently been able to secure an appointment within a reasonable timeframe. Every member of staff I have encountered has demonstrated friendliness and a genuine commitment to assisting patients.

Phone queue takes hours to get through

It takes an extremely long time to navigate the automated phone system, and when you do manage to reach someone, the reception team's demeanor can be quite off-putting. They speak to callers and colleagues alike in a manner that feels dismissive and disrespectful. There's also an inconsistency in appointment availability—staff initially claim there are no slots available, but when questioned, they're suddenly able to offer same-day appointments. This contradictory approach is frustrating and undermines confidence in the booking process.

Reception staff need better training and respect

Standards appear to be declining noticeably since recent staffing changes. The nursing team continues to provide excellent care, however some reception staff members communicate in a manner that feels dismissive and condescending. There is a noticeable lack of respect in these interactions, though a few team members maintain professional courtesy.

Struggled to reach the practice by phone

I have made numerous attempts to contact the practice without success. Getting through has proven to be an extremely challenging and frustrating experience. The difficulty in reaching the surgery has been a significant issue that has affected my ability to receive the care I need.

Phone lines constantly busy and frustrating

Attempting to reach the practice by telephone can be quite frustrating. This morning alone required numerous attempts before successfully connecting, spanning a period of several hours from early morning onwards. Throughout the week, the number of calls needed to get through has been considerable. Additionally, the level of helpfulness received when contact is finally established seems to vary depending on which member of the team responds to the call.

Phone lines constantly engaged and frustrating

Is it possible to get through on the phone at this practice? The line always seems to be busy whenever I try to call. I would rate my experience much lower if the system allowed it.

Friendly staff and quiet waiting areas throughout

We consistently attend this practice with complete confidence, from the reception team through to the clinical staff, all of whom are welcoming and helpful. The waiting area is well-designed for patient comfort, offering ample seating and quieter spaces along the corridor when needed. The nursing team demonstrates considerable skill and expertise, and on occasions when a doctor has not been immediately available, we have always felt assured that the nursing staff have managed our concerns with a high level of competence. We do not insist on seeing a particular clinician when booking appointments, as all the practitioners at the practice are highly experienced, approachable and well-informed. We would readily recommend this practice to others.

Receptionist helped keep me calm during emergency

Although it can be difficult to secure appointments at this practice, the team responded promptly when my young child became seriously unwell. I was very grateful to the receptionist on the day I arrived in a distressed state. My child was experiencing breathing difficulties and was extremely upset in the pushchair, which was distressing to witness, but the receptionist remained reassuring and ensured I was seen without delay. The clinical staff that day provided comprehensive support during this anxious period and arranged the necessary care my child required. It was reassuring to experience such a responsive approach from the practice during a time of genuine concern. I am very appreciative of the receptionist and all the team members who assisted me and my child that day. Thank you very much.

Long wait times for routine appointments

I was informed that the earliest available appointment slot was three weeks away and was unable to obtain an urgent appointment when I requested one.

Phone lines constantly busy and unreachable

The practice is difficult to reach by telephone.