Forest Hall Medical Group

Reception staff were genuinely helpful and polite

I recently registered with this practice after relocating to the area, and following a couple of disappointing experiences at other nearby surgeries, I had modest expectations. However, the clinical and administrative teams have genuinely exceeded what I anticipated. They demonstrate helpfulness, courtesy, and appear well-organised and attentive. I have been pleasantly surprised by the standard of care and service provided so far. Thank you.

Website booking system blocks urgent access

I would advise caution when considering this practice. The reception staff can be difficult to work with, as they enforce a strict online booking system for all appointments regardless of urgency. While same-day contact is sometimes possible, the process feels impersonal and inflexible. Additionally, when raising concerns about potential developmental or behavioural matters, the clinical response felt dismissive. Rather than engaging with the observations presented, the approach seemed to question the parent's perspective and suggest anxiety rather than taking the concerns seriously.

Repeat prescriptions repeatedly fail to arrive on time

If it were possible to give negative stars, this would receive a substantial minus rating. This practice regularly struggles to process repeat prescriptions for my regular medication, leaving me without supply for several days despite requesting them ahead of time each month. This situation is deeply frustrating and concerning given the circumstances. I had to visit a local pharmacy to request emergency medication outside normal hours, and discovered that at least two other customers were facing the identical problem, yet prescriptions still had not been arranged for standard collection times.

Struggling to reach practice by phone for medication orders

I have been a patient at this practice for quite some time. I was transferred here from another location without prior notification. I submitted a request for my medication which has been waiting to be processed for approximately two weeks. Whenever I attempt to contact the practice by telephone, the line rings without anyone picking up. I had an appointment before the festive period where I felt the consultation was not productive. Rather than investigating my presenting concerns, various unrelated examinations were carried out. When these did not yield results, attention was drawn to a tremor I experience in my hands and I was asked about its duration. I explained it had been present since my military service ended. I was then questioned about my alcohol consumption, which I denied, and received a response that seemed to suggest this would have been beneficial for my condition.

Helpful staff made booking quick and easy

Always incredibly supportive and efficient!

Same-day appointments and consistent care throughout

I have been very satisfied with the care I have received over the past few years. I have been able to obtain appointments promptly, sometimes on the same day and occasionally within a very short timeframe. All of the staff members I have encountered have demonstrated professionalism, courtesy and a genuine willingness to help. I am extremely pleased with the service provided. Recently, I have had a health matter that required follow-up appointments, and I have been seen by the same clinician on each visit, which is something I have found to be uncommon at many practices. The different members of the team have worked together effectively to ensure my care has progressed without any issues. I would highly recommend this practice.

Reception staff didn't grasp the urgency

My recent blood work indicated notably reduced vitamin B levels, and the healthcare provider recommended an intensive course of injections as treatment. However, after a month of waiting, I was only able to receive a single injection. When I informed them of my upcoming international travel, they suggested I pursue the remaining treatment abroad instead. The reception team appeared unaware of the urgency of my situation. Overall, I found the communication between different parts of the practice to be inadequate, and it seemed that important details from my consultations were not being properly documented in my medical records.

No follow-up on test results sent

Submitted a sample for testing over a year ago but received no follow-up communication or the expected hospital referral that had been discussed. Found the overall experience with the surgery to be disappointing.

Friendly staff despite parking challenges

Finding a parking space can be challenging, though the team members are welcoming and courteous.

Receptionists dismissed concerns as abuse

It appears that some medical staff members may not be fully engaged with their responsibilities, and administrative personnel seem quick to label concerns as inappropriate when issues are raised. There also appears to be a reluctance to take responsibility for problems. If this represents the current standard of professional service, it raises concerns about the quality of care being provided.

Professional team made me feel valued

Excellent and professional service from the clinical staff and office team. Thank you.

Difficult to get appointments with understanding staff

I have been registered with this practice for over thirty years. I have noticed a decline in the service since several experienced clinicians departed. Whilst there are some capable practitioners available, securing appointments with them proves extremely challenging. This week, I had an appointment with a healthcare professional regarding pain management, mental health concerns, and sleep difficulties. The suggested approach was to discontinue my current medication. I question whether this person truly comprehends what it means to experience chronic pain on a daily basis. I have since been referred to a pain management service, which I am hesitant about pursuing. I intend to continue working with my specialist at the regional hospital, as they demonstrate a genuine understanding of my situation. When I reach out for support, I feel the response lacks genuine care or effort to understand my circumstances. I felt deeply offended by the interaction. The impression given was one of suspicion rather than compassionate care. I was already struggling emotionally before the appointment, and afterwards I felt considerably more isolated and distressed. The healthcare professional I spoke with appeared indifferent to my concerns, displaying a detached manner with little warmth or understanding. It is frustrating that I must manage a full-time job whilst dealing with these health challenges without meaningful support from my practice. I expected healthcare professionals to prioritise helping patients, yet this experience fell far short. The person I consulted was not a doctor but a healthcare practitioner. I am sufficiently concerned about this experience that I plan to raise my concerns with the appropriate service management.

Pharmacy team finally got the medication right

I have to give credit lately to this surgery for the care provided. My partner has had a difficult time recently and has had to write critical reviews in the past, but over the last few months the team has been excellent at ensuring medications are delivered promptly, assisting with pain management, and showing particular understanding through the pharmacy services. The staff have been considerate regarding the changing health circumstances. Well done. Please keep it up!

Appointment wasn't with the promised specialist doctor

I attended an appointment for a pre-existing health concern expecting to see a particular clinician, but instead was seen by one practitioner with two others present observing. During the consultation, I was asked to name medications, which felt inappropriate given my lack of medical knowledge. The clinician then declined to prescribe the options I mentioned, stating they wouldn't be suitable for my condition, despite me not having requested them. Throughout the appointment, the clinician frequently consulted the observing practitioners about my care, and their initial recommendation was simply to continue with medication I had already been using for an extended period. The three practitioners collectively prescribed a medication class I was already taking regularly, but with what appeared to be inadequate protective dosing, which subsequently led to complications requiring urgent medical attention. Following this, I had a follow-up appointment to review my pain management, where I was informed the practice had limited options and could only arrange a referral to a specialist centre with a considerable waiting period for symptoms that were significantly impacting my quality of life. The clinician handling this call came across as dismissive, appeared unfamiliar with the purpose of my appointment, did not engage with my concerns, and repeatedly expressed that they were too busy to properly address my needs. They ultimately suggested taking no action. My overall experience with this practice has been consistently unsatisfactory, and I have decided to seek care elsewhere.

Prescriptions repeatedly not sent through

Would rate lower if the system allowed it, genuinely surprised the rating stands where it does. The service has been deeply disappointing, with recurring issues around prescription delivery to the pharmacy for essential medication, and multiple instances where promised contact has failed to materialise. There are serious questions about the competence and organisation of the practice.

Friendly staff with reliable communication methods

The team consistently demonstrates friendliness and helpfulness, with effective communication maintained across telephone, email, and face-to-face interactions. Much appreciated!

Couldn't get appointments when I needed them most

I attended three consecutive follow-up appointments at this practice. During the initial visit, a trainee clinician identified a concern and recommended a treatment aligned with NHS guidance, requesting a return appointment. For the second visit, I was offered an advance booking at an alternative location. The clinician there disagreed with the previous recommendation, suggesting I discontinue the treatment. Within two days, my symptoms worsened significantly, becoming more uncomfortable. When I contacted the practice shortly after opening, I was informed no same-day appointments were available and advised to call back the following day. I instead contacted NHS 111, who arranged an urgent same-day appointment elsewhere. At that appointment, I was diagnosed with an infection and informed I should have received specialist referral prior to my initial GP visit. Despite this, the clinician I saw was very supportive and provided appropriate care. I am now in the process of registering with a different practice, as I feel this one either dismisses concerns or has limited appointment availability, with little regard for clinical urgency. I have not used this practice since childhood and regret not switching sooner. The service appears inconsistent across different locations, and accessing a clinician at one particular branch seems to depend largely on chance rather than reliable provision.

Refused treatment and proper investigations repeatedly

This has been the most disappointing medical practice I have attended. Having used this surgery throughout my life, I became accustomed to what I believed was standard practice within the UK healthcare system. I later realised that I may have received different care had I registered elsewhere. During my time here, my experience was limited to basic pain relief when I sustained a significant injury, rather than being referred for specialist assessment as I felt would have been appropriate. I had concerns about the quality of care provided by one particular clinician. When I attended with a serious injury, I felt that appropriate diagnostic investigations were not offered, and I was not provided with the documentation I needed when I was unable to work due to pain and mobility issues. This experience has left me questioning whether the standard of care I received was adequate for my needs.

Receptionists helped when pharmacist wasn't available

Rang today to speak with the pharmacist about my blood pressure medication. I am confident doing that as I recognise they are the expert when it comes to medication. They were not available so the receptionist arranged for me to see a lovely clinician, who sorted me out. I have always found the receptionists very efficient and helpful and I'm always grateful for their assistance. Thanks to everyone.

Staff weren't welcoming when I visited

The staff were not particularly welcoming, and I continue to feel quite unwell.