Clifton Court Medical Practice

Impossible to reach by phone for appointments

Attempting to book an appointment has proven quite challenging, as the phone lines frequently appear to be engaged. When I have managed to reach someone, I have been advised to call from 8am onwards. However, I have tried calling at that time without success in getting through to anyone.

Quick appointment after registering

I registered on one day and received an appointment the following day, completing my visit in approximately 20 minutes. The service was notably efficient.

Friendly reception made the visit pleasant

This is an excellent concept.

Staff helpful when booking appointments

I have consistently had a positive experience at this practice and have always found the team to be helpful and accommodating. While it is not always feasible to see a preferred clinician, they have generally been able to schedule appointments at times that work well for me.

Long wait on the phone line

The reception team appeared to have difficulty managing phone calls, as I experienced a lengthy wait. Despite being told the blood tests were urgent, I have not yet received my results.

Finally got answers after years of waiting

It sometimes feels like appointments are hurried, but I was eventually able to get a diagnosis after several years of seeking answers. Finding the right healthcare provider can take time.

Reception staff blocked urgent baby appointment

Called ahead to inquire about registering and whether the practice could see our child who was unwell. We were informed this would be possible and that a clinician would contact us within half an hour to discuss our infant's condition. We were advised to bring our child in immediately for assessment. After preparing our child, we attended the practice. Upon arrival, the receptionist expressed concern about us bringing our child without completing registration first, despite our explanation that we intended to complete the registration process following the clinical assessment. We understood that emergency cases could be seen prior to formal registration. The receptionist spent approximately half an hour reiterating this concern and asking us to understand their perspective, while our child's respiratory symptoms continued to deteriorate. Eventually, we left without our child being assessed. We subsequently contacted our usual practice and our child was seen within an hour, after which she was admitted to hospital. We feel that had the practice not wished to provide emergency care, this should have been communicated clearly during the initial phone call rather than resulting in a significant delay to necessary treatment. We intend to raise a formal complaint regarding this experience.