Handsworth Wood Medical Centre

Long Wait for a Simple Blood Test Appointment

At precisely 08:07, the automated system suggested a callback while maintaining my queue position. Two hours later, Linda from reception informed me that no appointments were available today. I'm left questioning the purpose of my tax contributions and the time lost from work for this absurdity. The prime minister advocates for sick individuals to work, yet provides no support for employees who must take time off to see a doctor. How is it possible that no slots remain at 08:07, mere minutes after the 8:00 opening? How many patients did you manage to schedule between 08:00 and 08:07, Linda? And these supposedly "overwhelmed" doctors—how many consultations did they actually conduct? Your organization and this Conservative Government are simply biding time until the next election... Today, 04/03/2025, I was the first caller at 8:00 am sharp. Despite this, I endured a 25-minute wait before reception answered. Were they engaged in an extraordinarily lengthy conversation with caller zero??? My purpose was to confirm my blood test timing, as the reception failed to send the promised notification from 28th February 2025. While minor improvements are evident, this medical centre's service still requires substantial reevaluation.

Hospital Saved Me After Weeks of Frustration

I initially reached out when my symptoms first appeared and was placed in a seemingly endless phone queue that was never answered. For a fortnight, I persisted in my attempts to contact them, ultimately receiving a call from a medical professional who, after hearing my details, abruptly informed me I was the wrong patient and terminated the conversation. My efforts to schedule an appointment through both online and telephone channels proved futile. Ultimately, I opted to visit the hospital, where I was promptly diagnosed and provided appropriate treatment within a mere three hours - a task the GP could have accomplished in just five minutes. I was fully aware of my medical issue, yet your staff demonstrated no helpfulness, instead redirecting individuals like myself to online booking through your website or the NHS platform, which I cannot access due to my expired passport and lack of alternative identification. This situation is absolutely unacceptable. At 31 years old, I find navigating your ineffective administrative processes extremely challenging. Your untrained, non-medical staff are aggressively pushing a new online NHS service, seemingly oblivious to the fact that many people lack the digital literacy, technological access, or financial means to utilize such platforms.

Postcode Form Keeps Blocking My Progress

They've implemented a new system requiring form submission, but every attempt I make to complete it fails due to postcode entry issues. At one point, they claimed my phone number was problematic, explaining after months that they only had my landline details, which is why the mobile number wouldn't work. Currently, I'm experiencing a persistent postcode glitch. Despite reporting the problem, I'm repeatedly sent the same non-functional link, which is incredibly exasperating. My situation is further complicated by the fact that I can't call them because the ringtone triggers migraines. When I email, I receive the same unhelpful response directing me to the link that consistently fails. I'm completely stuck - unable to move forward no matter what I do! This is unacceptable. To the IT department and practice manager: it's time to resolve these technical issues and improve your customer service approach!

Frustrating appointment scheduling with rude staff

Every attempt to schedule an appointment with this practice becomes more frustrating. The quality continues to decline, and I'm completely fed up with their terrible service and unprofessional staff.

Rude Staff Wasted My Entire Morning

Absolutely Terrible Customer Service. After an excruciatingly long wait of nearly two hours, the receptionist abruptly terminated the call.

Late Arrival Ruins Urgent Medical Appointment

This surgical practice is absolutely terrible and I cannot stress enough how much I advise against using them. My husband desperately needed this medical appointment scheduled for 11am, and he made significant effort to arrive, only to stand in line for 10 minutes only to be told he had "missed" his slot and must reschedule. This response was completely unacceptable, especially considering his poor health and limited mobility. He even traveled through snowy conditions, and was then informed that because he was 10 minutes past the appointment time, he would not be seen. How is this possibly his fault when there was such a long waiting queue? The lack of compassion and understanding is shocking. I am profoundly and utterly disappointed with their service and would never recommend this medical practice to anyone.

Dr. Malik's Proactive Care Saved Me Stress

I've consistently experienced exceptional support from the medical staff at the clinic, with Dr. Talha Malik standing out in particular. His clinical expertise is remarkable, and he demonstrates remarkable initiative in addressing my health concerns. He's incredibly efficient, often implementing hospital recommendations and following up on test results even before I receive official correspondence. Moreover, his approach is characterized by genuine empathy and kindness.

Paula's Help and Dr. Taha's Care

The medical practice has a mix of staff quality, but my experience was largely positive. Paula in Reception was exceptional - incredibly helpful, kind, and went out of her way to ensure my child could see a GP. Her professionalism and courtesy were remarkable. Dr. Taha was equally impressive, providing thorough and compassionate care for both my son and myself. He carefully listened to our concerns, offered a comprehensive diagnosis, and demonstrated extensive knowledge about potential treatments, medications, and lifestyle modifications. The doctor promptly arranged necessary tests and follow-up plans. Despite the well-known challenges facing UK healthcare services, including appointment accessibility and operational standards, my interaction was truly satisfying. I left feeling confident and supported. This level of care and dedication is what every patient deserves, and I'm grateful for the outstanding service I received. Thank you to the staff for their commitment and excellence!

Long Wait and Confusing Check-In Mess

Incredibly long lines, and the front desk staff seems completely clueless. The check-in kiosk is broken, and there are no physician names displayed on any doors. This place is an absolute nightmare - be ready to waste hours just trying to get checked in.

Impossible to Book an Appointment

I'd rate them zero if I could. They're incredibly challenging to reach and schedule with. Making appointments for my father seems like an insurmountable task. Their new process involves completing a form that I'm convinced will be overwhelming for older individuals, yet they're simultaneously welcoming new patients and accepting people from beyond their typical service area. The entire situation is utterly deplorable.

Impossible to Book an Appointment Anywhere

How am I supposed to schedule an appointment with their absolutely terrible booking system? I've been attempting to set up an appointment for over a month now, and I'm still unable to do so. I'm extremely frustrated. Can anyone successfully navigate their new system and share how they managed it?

Harjas Made Me Feel So Much Better

Harjas, working at the reception, provided exceptional assistance and quickly alleviated all of my concerns with her supportive approach.

Frustrating wait for a simple medical booking

Attempted to schedule a consultation for my father and was forced to seek private healthcare due to the abysmal public service. The reception staff seem utterly pointless - when you ring at the start of the day, you're stuck in a queue with over 30 people, only to be informed no slots are open. The NHS app is equally frustrating, offering appointments exclusively before 10am, which is completely inadequate.

Long Wait for a Simple Appointment

If you're prepared to waste an entire day waiting around despite having a scheduled time slot, then this clinic is perfect for you! This establishment desperately requires investigation - it's glaringly obvious how disorganized they are. Dr. Jallo is someone you should absolutely steer clear of... she'll keep you sitting for hours on end, even when you've made a prior appointment.

Quick and Efficient Care at the Surgery

During my recent medical visit, the staff went above and beyond to make my experience smooth and convenient. Bal at the reception was incredibly supportive, helping me schedule my blood test right on the spot. Moreover, Lakbir was fantastic and administered my flu vaccination during the same appointment, which eliminated the need for me to take additional time off work and make a separate trip later.

Booking Nightmare for Rare Pediatric Visits

Terrible experience. Their scheduling platform was constantly in flux, making it nearly impossible to secure a slot. As someone who only requires an appointment for my children infrequently, typically annually, this was incredibly frustrating.

Worst Customer Service Ever Encountered

Unhelpful employees, terrible establishment, completely uncooperative. This business has no justification for its continued operation.

Endless Wait and Dropped Call Nightmare

I've been attempting to schedule an appointment for my wife for a week now, and I'm still unsuccessful. After spending an exhausting hour and a half on hold, the phone call abruptly disconnected. If a medical practice can't handle its current patient load effectively, it shouldn't be accepting new patients. It's absolutely ridiculous that we can't secure a simple GP appointment within an entire week. What's the purpose of even registering with a practice like this? We are thoroughly frustrated and let down by this entire experience.

Useless Chatbot Wasted My Time

STANDARD AUTOMATED ASSISTANT mindlessly probing with irrelevant queries, ultimately concluding absolutely no assistance can be provided

Wasted Hours on Endless Customer Support Call

I spent two uninterrupted hours on hold, watching my position in the queue slowly improve from 30th to 1st, only to be met with an apology that no representative was available before the call was abruptly ended.