Farnham Park Health Group

Decent care with long wait times

I've been a patient at FPHG for three years, visiting for personal and family healthcare needs. Truthfully, I haven't encountered significant problems. While the online booking platform is unreliable and scheduling an appointment now takes about six weeks, I understand these challenges are typical of a healthcare system under considerable strain.

Frustrated after twenty years with practice

I'm struggling to express just how distressing this medical practice has become. Despite being a loyal patient for two decades, the merger has completely transformed the once compassionate environment. Their handling of my recent medical concern has left me deeply traumatized. I've been made to feel like an unwelcome burden rather than a valued patient. For nearly a year, I've battled to secure a face-to-face consultation with my GP, consistently being dismissed and deflected. While I did receive some telephone appointments, the sensitive nature of my medical issue absolutely required personal, empathetic interaction, especially given the practice's partial responsibility for my condition. My repeat prescriptions were negligently monitored, leaving me prescribed medication that was fundamentally unsuitable for my health needs. Fortunately, I've now transferred to a different surgery and secured an appointment within my first week there. I'm hopeful this marks the beginning of receiving the appropriate support and care that every medical practice should inherently provide.

Receptionist's harsh treatment of elderly patient

The level of discourtesy displayed by the receptionist at the medical practice was utterly unacceptable. The initial staff member was pleasant and genuinely supportive. However, the subsequent employee was extremely discourteous towards myself and my elderly, disabled father. Her behavior was completely unacceptable and clearly demonstrates her unsuitability for her role. I am truly appalled and strongly recommend that management closely supervise and address their staff's conduct.

Dismissed with a callous text message

I've been attempting to obtain prescriptions for my diagnosed endometriosis and adenomyosis from my long-standing GP practice of seven years. They informed me that without being on the initial medication prescribed by a private gynaecologist for at least four months and having a follow-up appointment confirming its effectiveness, they would not reissue the prescription. The medication in question is Dinogest, which is NICE-recognized. After completing the required appointment, I received a text from Farnham Health stating they would not prescribe Dinogest as it wasn't on the NHS 'formulary' - despite it being listed on the NICE website for adenomyosis treatment. Their approach demonstrates a complete disregard for my ongoing, acute medical condition, dismissing me via an unresponsive text message. Their callousness and willingness to exploit any bureaucratic loophole to avoid providing care is appalling. I strongly advise against joining this practice. They exhibit zero compassion and will go to great lengths to avoid fulfilling their basic medical responsibilities. ABSOLUTELY AVOID THIS PRACTICE!!!!

Scheduling nightmare at my doctor's office

Completely frustrated with their current service, which previously was acceptable, but now scheduling an appointment has become virtually impossible.

Impossible to get a doctor's appointment

This medical facility is so substandard that I'm eager to depart at the earliest opportunity. It's practically unattainable to schedule a consultation with a physician; I implore the management to improve their online screening process. The questionnaire is nonsensical, transitioning abruptly from "How may we assist you?" to inquiring about the duration of your pain. My intention was to secure an appointment because my test results indicated the necessity of consulting my doctor. Utterly deplorable service.

Fast help from friendly practice

A colleague is enrolled in Shere, where communication is consistently prompt. FPHG has just set up 2 consultations for me, one initially sought through Patches 7 weeks back, the other 8 weeks prior. Why is our encounter with the NHS so markedly disparate?

Frustrating phone system blocks patient communication

Absolutely impossible to connect via telephone nowadays. I'm attempting to reschedule my son's in-person consultation, which we've been waiting four months to secure. Their messaging system is ineffective, time-consuming, and leaves me uncertain whether my communication will be received promptly. There's simply no viable phone contact method. I'm particularly concerned for older individuals who lack the digital skills to navigate these complex online channels. The overwhelming impression is that they're deliberately avoiding direct patient interaction.

Terrible communication and zero responsiveness

Absolutely abysmal customer support. Communication attempts are consistently met with silence and disregard. An organization operating at such a substandard level deserves to have its financial resources completely cut off.

Supportive doctors helped me through cancer

I've been a patient at this medical practice for three years, and their service has consistently been top-notch. While they're undoubtedly a bustling clinic, they never rush through my consultations and always ensure thorough care. When I received my cancer diagnosis, they were incredibly efficient in expediting the process. I've always been able to secure either an in-person or phone consultation without difficulty. The reception staff are exceptional - welcoming, patient, and genuinely committed to assisting patients.

Complaint ignored after seven frustrating months

I won't delve into the initial issue I raised with them back in April 2024. However, what I can confirm is that seven months later, my complaint remains completely unresolved. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, it hasn't even been examined. After sending five separate letters, including the original complaint, I've received absolutely no substantive response. It seems they believe that by simply ignoring my complaint, it will somehow disappear. The complaints procedure outlined on their website, which I followed meticulously, is entirely ineffective since they've made no effort to adhere to it. I'm now forced to explore third-party complaint resolution channels. The entire situation is deeply frustrating and raises serious concerns about their operational practices. After reviewing other customer experiences, it appears their standard approach is a generic "We're sorry" followed by empty promises to investigate. I can't help but wonder how many of these promised investigations actually materialize.

Prescription hiccup saved by helpful staff

I aim to provide balanced and truthful feedback, especially when it might influence someone's choice of medical practice. I genuinely acknowledge that every NHS sector has faced challenges since covid, and this practice is no exception. Securing face-to-face appointments is difficult unless urgent, with typically lengthy waiting times. Their online system is frustratingly complex, often resulting in either being brushed off or advised to go to A&E immediately! My personal frustration arose from a repeat prescription being "rejected" without any notification, only discovered when attempting to collect medication at the pharmacy. Fortunately, the reception staff were incredibly supportive and quickly resolved the issue, ensuring I received my medication that same day. The online prescription team proved equally responsive and helpful. I've consulted various GPs here who generally listened and addressed my health concerns. Admittedly, a couple of consultations left me feeling worse than before entering. However, I recognize this isn't unique to this practice - different doctors resonate differently with different patients. Despite its imperfections, I would recommend Farnham Group Practice because its strengths outweigh its weaknesses. It's crucial to remember people tend to write reviews after rare negative experiences, overlooking the numerous positive interactions they've previously enjoyed! (This comes from my experience across 14 different GP practices throughout my life!)

Heartbroken and waiting with cancer

I'm dealing with my wife's advanced cancer, and her general practitioner continues to refuse an appointment. What possible purpose do these doctors serve? They should all be terminated and replaced, with the substantial funds saved redirected towards creating a more effective patient care system within the National Health Service.

Frustrating online system keeps me waiting

Frustrated with the current appointment scheduling system and the unreliable online platform. The process of requesting a doctor's consultation is inconvenient, and the digital program frequently fails to function properly. I recommend reverting to the previous method of booking appointments.

Friendly team made my day better

Incredibly supportive team that provides exceptional care and attention to customers

Ignored twice with serious health concerns

They demonstrate a complete disregard for men's health concerns. When I contacted them a year ago requesting a men's health screening (which should be a standard service across all general practices), they dismissed my request. No healthcare was provided. Upon reaching out today about a critical condition impacting my ability to consume food and liquids, once more they brushed me aside. Is it surprising that men are reluctant to seek medical help when needed? The NHS clearly requires fundamental reform. This represents blatant gender discrimination at its most egregious.

Nightmare voicemail system wastes my time

I'm simply reinforcing the sentiments shared by numerous previous reviewers. Their customer service is absolutely ATROCIOUS! It's clear they view clients as an unwelcome burden, intentionally creating obstacles to direct communication. They haven't even provided a contact telephone number! When I tried to record a voice message, I encountered an incredibly convoluted process where providing basic personal information became an exercise in frustration. Their system made identifying my name so challenging that multiple attempts through different channels were necessary. The entire ordeal of leaving a single voicemail consumed over six excruciating minutes!!

Quick same-day visit solved everything

Fantastic service. Got an in-person appointment exactly when I wanted. The staff were timely and incredibly competent. I'm thoroughly satisfied with Farnham Park. Their scheduling process is remarkably efficient. Much appreciation.

Fifty years of frustration with this practice

Unfortunately, I now have nothing positive to say about this medical practice. Having been a patient for over 50 years, I completely agree with another patient that since the merger, this practice is no longer fit for purpose. It infuriates me every time I see the sign claiming they won't tolerate abuse, when they clearly have no understanding of how they push people to their limits. I typically avoid confrontation, but I ultimately lost my temper during a phone call when they attempted to cancel my appointment (for the third time), claiming I should never have been given the appointment in the first place. After they repeatedly called to cancel on the same day, this time I stood my ground and insisted I would attend, demanding the doctor explain his cancellation. He sheepishly admitted it had been a mistake (whatever). Simple tasks like obtaining test results feel impossibly difficult, like trying to extract blood from a stone. I was losing all patience with this practice and have finally transferred to another. I suspect the next practice will respond to this review just like the others - with a generic "we're sorry to hear this" - but they should focus on fixing their disgraceful service.

Frustrating wait and dismissive receptionists

I attempted to book an appointment and was informed of a week-long wait. When I expressed my frustration, using the term "useless," the receptionists responded unprofessionally and defensively. I'm now skeptical about even securing an appointment and am seriously considering changing my general practitioner. This practice has deteriorated significantly since their merger, offering substandard service that many other patients also criticize. Their solution was to redirect me to a walk-in clinic, rendering my 8-hour wait pointless. Ironically, their online booking system required me to acknowledge potential risks to my health by clicking a button that essentially warns "book at your own risk." While I partially agree with this disclaimer, it's unacceptable that patients might not receive the care or attention they desperately need. The entire experience has been deeply disappointing and reflects poorly on their medical practice.