Burnham Health Centre

Worst medical service ever terrible experience

Would give zero rating if possible. Must dial at 8am, where the line is constantly engaged, and occasionally you're left waiting an hour just to be informed no slots are available or to use their app - a perpetual problem. Today I finally got through to someone, only to have them claim they couldn't hear me before the call dropped. When she returned the call, she announced no telephone appointments remained - completely futile effort. After months of persistent attempts, I seldom succeed in securing an appointment. These staff demonstrate complete incompetence in handling patients, leaving me extremely frustrated. I desperately want to change medical practices, but I'm outside the catchment area of the nearest alternative.

Unprofessional receptionists ruin patient experience

As an NHS professional, I find myself deeply disappointed with the conduct at this medical practice. The reception staff demonstrate a clear lack of proper training in handling patient interactions with empathy and care, effectively tarnishing the reputation of the healthcare organization I proudly serve. I should not be forced to extensively explain or plead my medical situation just to determine whether I require medical attention. My simple request was for a telephone consultation, which they dismissively deemed non-urgent. In stark contrast, when I contacted NHS 111, my case was efficiently processed in less than ten minutes. While the physicians themselves are commendable, the receptionists - particularly Caroline - are woefully inadequate in their approach. Their unprofessional behavior is truly shameful and reflects poorly on the entire practice.

Mixed service with unhelpful receptionists

The medical staff are generally pleasant and supportive, but the health center's overall service is severely lacking. - Booking an appointment is incredibly challenging, despite multiple contact methods. - The receptionist(*) delivers condescending responses with sarcastic undertones and minimizes patients' appointment needs. - Consultations that should typically span 10 minutes are reduced to mere moments. - Appointments feel hurried, with medical staff frequently interrupting patients and rushing through consultations. - Face-to-face appointments are extremely rare, with telephone consultations being the standard approach. - Scheduling appointments for specific future dates is nearly impossible, with the center primarily offering emergency morning slots immediately upon opening. (*) When inquiring about appointment duration (as the offered time conflicted with child pickup), her dismissive response was "I'm not a medical professional". Upon explaining my concern, she downplayed my symptoms by stating "I'll note you're feeling slightly XYZ" and disregarded critical risk factors. She then pressured me to decide quickly and ultimately cancelled the appointment without suggesting alternative times. I desperately want to switch to another practice, but this remains my sole accessible option, leaving me feeling trapped with an inadequate service unable to meet patient demands. I'm certain many other patients share this frustration.

Frustrating app and terrible healthcare experience

Over half a year, the patient access app has been completely useless, showing zero available appointment slots. To schedule anything, you're forced to call precisely at 8 am and endure a 30-minute hold. The surgical department's referral system is abysmal, with doctors seemingly reluctant to connect patients with specialists. Walk-in blood tests at the hospital, which were standard before COVID, have been discontinued. Now, surgical departments are scheduling blood test appointments with a ridiculous two-week delay. The NHS is clearly deteriorating rapidly. I'm genuinely concerned about how they'll manage new asylum seekers when they're already struggling to provide basic care for existing nationals.

Worst customer service ever at this place

Unhelpful and discourteous employees.

Amazing paramedic saves the day with kindness

Meghan, a paramedic, was incredibly supportive and efficient. She's undoubtedly the top medical responder in the entire area!

Frustrating healthcare system fails patient completely

The experiences others have described are spot on - the booking system is terrible. I tried using 111 earlier, and they recommended I urgently reach out to my medical practice today. Despite this advice, I'm unable to secure even a telephone consultation, much less an in-person doctor's appointment.

Smooth scheduling with a small time hiccup

I secured a booking without much delay, though I was required to return to the location after a two-hour interval.

Terrible medical service with unhelpful google doctors

I couldn't ever secure a consultation or connect with a physician, as they're perpetually occupied. Predictably, the sole treatment offered is paracetamol. These Google-affiliated medical professionals clearly lack proper qualifications!!

Terrible service left me struggling to breathe

Completely worthless service. Endured a restless night struggling with asthma due to an empty inhaler, then spent an hour waiting outside hoping for a swift prescription renewal from a doctor. The reception staff dismissed me, claiming a GP would call back, deliberately ignoring my urgent explanation about my sleepless night and critical need for a simple inhaler authorization that would take mere moments. Absolutely futile.

Quick and efficient pharmacy service

Merely stopping by to collect my medication.

Exceptional healthcare with compassionate and efficient staff

From my perspective, this general practice is exceptionally well-managed with truly outstanding staff - every team member demonstrates compassion and professionalism. Scheduling appointments has been seamless, whether through telephone or the patient access application, which has been crucial given my husband's recent back surgery. I deeply appreciate the consistent support they've provided throughout the past year and feel incredibly fortunate to have such an exceptional healthcare facility in such close proximity to our residence.

Ridiculous healthcare process wastes my precious time

Utterly absurd - now you're forced to navigate through a convoluted online platform operated by an external service just to determine if you can even schedule an appointment.