Blacketts Medical Practice

Phone appointments run significantly over schedule

Appointments frequently run considerably behind schedule. For a brief telephone consultation, there can be substantial delays of up to an hour before or after the scheduled time. The appointment scheduling system appears to lack effective management and would likely be viewed as unsatisfactory in most other professional settings.

Struggling to book face-to-face appointments here

It can be challenging to secure an in-person appointment, so I've started using online consultations when I need guidance and support to avoid lengthy waiting times. I'm aware that appointment availability is a widespread issue across many practices currently.

Long wait but appointment eventually happened

I experienced a delay of approximately half an hour beyond my scheduled appointment slot.

Reception staff consistently warm and genuinely helpful

Have been registered with this practice since relocating to the area in 2005. The team has supported us, treated us and cared for us through challenging periods and happy times alike. During difficult times when health issues emerged and through joyful moments like learning to care for our child and managing routine childhood health needs. Reception staff are consistently excellent. They go out of their way to assist with enquiries and I always feel reassured and genuinely welcomed. The clinical practitioners have generally been outstanding, particularly over the last 5 years. They have built good knowledge of our circumstances and respond promptly to concerns. The nursing and care team are exactly what we need when unwell. They are skilled and approachable. I have attended for various routine health checks and examinations and have always felt at ease, with staff often showing familiarity with our family. A wonderful team who lift our spirits on difficult days and help us manage our health effectively. The specialist team managing chronic conditions are excellent. They demonstrate current knowledge and provide sympathetic yet encouraging support. Very much valued, this practice has been instrumental in helping us maintain good health and wellbeing in our community.

Couldn't fault the service here

An outstanding healthcare provider, genuinely among the best in the country. Truly exceptional in this area.

Reception staff seemed rather disengaged and unenthusiastic

The receptionist seemed rather unenthusiastic and appeared to lack energy during the interaction.

Helpful staff who really listen

I find the medical professionals and team members to be very supportive and helpful. Keep up the excellent work.

Receptionists were polite and genuinely helpful

I have been a patient at this practice for over 15 years and have consistently found the reception staff to be courteous, welcoming and supportive. The clinical staff have always demonstrated professionalism and expertise. The practice appears to have experienced increased demand in recent times.

Reception staff were dismissive and unhelpful throughout

I recently relocated to the area and attempted to register at this practice. From my initial visit, I found the reception team's manner towards me to be unwelcoming and dismissive. Their communication style made me feel undervalued and somewhat patronised. Upon arrival, I was given registration paperwork but no writing implement to complete it. I observed the reception staff engaged in conversation amongst themselves while incoming calls went unanswered, which concerned me given the potential for urgent matters. Other patients appeared frustrated at being unable to reach the practice by telephone, and I witnessed interactions between reception staff and other patients that seemed curt. When I attempted to use the side board as a writing surface, I was asked to move away in an abrupt manner. The practice also requested completion of multiple forms, including one regarding respectful conduct towards staff, which struck me as somewhat ironic given my own experience. I subsequently spoke with another member of staff who posed questions about my personal circumstances that felt intrusive and made me feel uneasy. Following this visit, I contacted the practice several days later regarding my registration status. Over the following weeks, my application remained incomplete, which I found frustrating and indicative of inefficiency. I subsequently registered with an alternative practice where I experienced notably different treatment—the staff were courteous, attentive, and professional, and my registration was processed within two days. Given this experience, I would have reservations about entrusting this practice with my healthcare. The delay in processing my registration over such an extended period was disappointing. Should the reception team's approach reflect the wider practice culture, I have concerns about the overall standard of care. I hope that prospective patients will have more positive experiences than I encountered.

Helpful staff managing busy workloads well

I have been a patient at this practice for nearly ten years and am generally satisfied with my experience. The clinical and administrative teams consistently demonstrate courtesy and willingness to assist, managing to maintain this standard despite operating under considerable pressure.

Helpful receptionists and reliable phone consultations

Since relocating to the area just before the pandemic, I have consistently received telephone consultations with the medical staff without any issues. Necessary tests have been arranged as appropriate by the clinical team. The reception staff have been courteous and supportive throughout. Based on my experiences, I would strongly recommend this practice.

Easy to book appointments with minimal wait times

I have never experienced difficulty obtaining appointments and have rarely encountered any waiting time before being seen. The clinician was very competent, provided clear explanations, and handled my concern effectively. I have been a patient at this practice for many decades and have consistently received excellent care throughout my time here.

Receptionists overstepping their role at appointments

The service quality has been disappointing. It appears that reception staff are overstepping their role. When requesting appointments, they suggest visiting the pharmacy instead. This is regrettable given the increased tax contributions. Standards seem to be declining progressively, particularly regarding healthcare provision. Additionally, clinical staff appear to be rushing through patient consultations.

Couldn't book appointments for years

I have struggled to obtain appointments over an extended period. When I do manage to attend, I feel my concerns are not being taken seriously, and I leave feeling unheard. I am frustrated with the overall approach and feel the standard of care has not met my expectations. I am considering pursuing further action regarding my experience.

Forced to use someone else's appointment slot

Being asked to use another person's essential appointment slot in order to respond to a message that the practice had initiated felt unreasonable.

Phone queues make appointments impossible

This medical practice has significant issues with accessibility. Phone lines are difficult to reach when seeking repeat medications or booking appointments, with wait times extending to an hour or more, which can be problematic for patients with urgent needs. The reception team and some clinical staff appear to lack the necessary knowledge and competence for their roles. Overall, the service falls well short of expectations and I regret registering with this practice. The experience warrants less than one star.

Receptionist rudeness ruined registration attempt

I tried to call in order to register as a patient, and despite having connectivity issues on my end, the manner and tone of the person who answered left me reluctant to proceed with registration at this practice. The initial interaction certainly did not create a positive impression.

Reception gave wrong appointment day information

I have mixed feelings about this practice. They have provided good care for my children, but I have experienced some frustrations during my recent visits. On one occasion, I arrived for an appointment only to discover there had been a miscommunication about the scheduled day, which meant the visit was unproductive. On another visit, I waited considerably longer than expected to be seen, and I noticed that another patient who arrived after me was seen first, despite having a later appointment slot. This suggested a lack of coordination between the reception team and the clinical staff. I felt that the appointment scheduling could have been better managed, and I was disappointed by what seemed like inefficient use of my time on both occasions.

Pharmacy service needs urgent improvement

I haven't personally attended this practice myself, but I can share my experience bringing my daughter here. The clinician she consulted with was excellent and demonstrated a warm, friendly approach when speaking with her. However, I've found the pharmacy services to be quite problematic. Prescriptions haven't been prepared when expected. The opening hours are inconvenient, and on occasions when the pharmacy has been open, there hasn't been a pharmacist available. This area of the service clearly requires better organisation and oversight. Additionally, although the practice advertises Saturday availability, when I called to arrange a prescription collection at 10am, I was informed they were actually closed that day.

Saw the doctor right on time

I attended my scheduled appointment and was seen without delay.