Foundry Lane Surgery

Hard to book appointments, disappointing experience

Honestly, this practice seems to be declining. Obtaining appointments is quite challenging. When you eventually manage to secure one, you encounter a doctor who appears to rely heavily on online resources. I'm keen to find an alternative GP practice.

Decided to switch practices after poor service

I have decided to switch to a different GP practice due to dissatisfaction with the service provided.

Reception turned away patient for minor lateness

⭐☆☆☆☆ I am very dissatisfied with the service we received at this GP practice. My husband had an appointment scheduled for a particular time and arrived a few minutes later due to traffic. Upon arrival, the check-in process at reception took several additional minutes, resulting in a delayed official registration. Despite the relatively minor lateness, the clinician declined to see him and the team's demeanor was unhelpful and unwelcoming. Obtaining an appointment is already challenging, and experiencing such an inflexible and unwelcoming response to a small delay has been quite disheartening. I had hoped for greater compassion and adaptability from a healthcare provider.

Persistent calls but no appointments available

I've had ongoing difficulties with the telephone appointment system. I've reported this issue daily, and I've spent considerable time waiting on hold for a response. When I persisted with my calls, I found myself queuing this morning and eventually reached the front of the queue after a lengthy wait. However, when my call was finally answered, I was informed that there were no available appointments. I'm very disappointed with this experience, as this situation has been repeating itself for several weeks now.

Reception staff were dismissive and unhelpful throughout

The experience at this practice has been quite disappointing. The reception team came across as unwelcoming, and there were multiple instances where appointments for a young child were cancelled, including routine health checks and scheduled immunisations. Some clinical staff also seemed dismissive, with a family member reporting feeling turned away despite having genuine health concerns. Overall, most of the practitioners did not appear to take patient concerns seriously, with the exception of a small number of staff members. The pattern of cancelled appointments for important visits and the unfriendly manner of reception staff created a frustrating experience.

Can’t get appointments

For the past 2 years average appointment wait times (assuming you are able to get through on the phone) are 4 weeks! Last year I found a lump and even though I told reception staff this, it was not treated as urgent. I was told to go to a walk in clinic if I was worried! Even when I did get to see a doctor I first had to go for blood tests then book back in again and had to wait another month for the second appointment. I ended up going for a scan and fortunately it was not cancer but can you imagine if it had been. Recently having failed to get through on the phone, I went on line and the next available appointment was 2 months! So out of desperation I booked it! People are going to die anyone with lumps or in pain should be given priority. I was speaking to someone who is always given priority. I asked how and they said they just play up on their mental health issues! So tell them you are feeling sad and you get seen same day: Say you are worried you have cancer and you get told to wait a month.

Dismissive approach left me feeling unheard

I felt more distressed after my appointment than before it began. The clinician appeared to demonstrate limited concern and understanding, especially regarding mental wellbeing matters. Instead of providing reassurance or practical advice, their manner seemed to minimise my concerns — as though the intention was to question rather than assist. Mental health deserves to be taken seriously, and it was deeply disappointing to encounter such a detached response from a healthcare professional. I would not suggest this practice to anyone looking for empathetic or supportive care.