Houghton Regis Medical Centre

very poor practice

i have repeatedly tried to book an appointment -being told to book online ONLY TO FIND NO APPPOINTS AVAVAIBLE TOLD TO USE THE ONLINE SERVICE -AGAIN SAME THING -CANT MAKE A COMPLAINT AS THE STAFF WILL SAY I AM BEING HOSTLE ASKED THEM TO RING ME ON THE LAND LINE -RANG ME ON THE MOBILE NUMBER -NOW I HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESS AGAIN VERY VERY POOR MY RATING MINUS 20

Avoid this practice if you can

I would not recommend this practice.

Phone call left me feeling unheard and dismissed

I recently contacted the GP surgery and spoke with a member of staff. During the conversation, I felt that my concerns were not adequately addressed. The staff member interrupted me several times when I was trying to explain my query, and the call ended abruptly before I felt the matter had been properly resolved. Additionally, I received information that I later found to be inaccurate, which added to my disappointment with the interaction. I believe that GP surgeries should prioritise professional and courteous communication with patients, particularly when individuals are reaching out seeking guidance or support. I feel that staff working in patient-facing roles should be equipped with strong interpersonal skills to ensure respectful and supportive interactions with those seeking care.

Repeated errors with sick notes and poor phone manner

Wish could give negative score...Keep experiencing errors in documentation, when you attempt to get it corrected, you are made to feel at fault for reaching out...you then have to wait several days for them to prepare a revised version...thought it would be done right?...NO...errors appear again...you then contact again to request correction, wait, repeat the same...it took multiple attempts to finally get an acceptable one...now, time for another document, and here we go...keep encountering similar errors again...been following up for an extended period to get the correct version this time....how can you have confidence you will receive accurate care if staff can't manage straightforward administrative tasks right? You are treated dismissively on the phone as a bonus...this practice needs significant improvement in the interest of patient safety.

Phone receptionists were dismissive and unhelpful

The telephone staff, especially those handling reception duties, were discourteous during my interaction with them.

Reception staff made me feel uncomfortable discussing privately

I recently registered at this practice and had a frustrating experience yesterday with a receptionist. I found their manner unhelpful and felt uncomfortable discussing my private matters in the public area. I'm quite upset about how the situation was handled.

Doctor wouldn't listen without my husband present

I felt frustrated that my concerns were not taken seriously during my appointment. I was disappointed that a family member felt obligated to attend with me, as though my account of my symptoms needed validation from another person. I found it difficult that my reported symptoms were not acknowledged, and I felt dismissed when my experience was questioned. The interaction left me feeling unheard and frustrated with the care I received.

Doctor didn't examine the affected area

No care provided - when I attended with concerns about a possible injury to my ribs or abdominal area, the clinician only took my blood pressure and did not proceed to carry out a physical examination of the affected regions.

Appointment system made it impossible to get seen

Every interaction I have experienced at this practice has been disappointing. The appointment booking system appears to have significant limitations – obtaining an appointment proves extremely challenging, regardless of the urgency of one's health concerns. On one occasion, I was unable to secure an appointment despite feeling I required medical assessment and subsequently needed to contact emergency services. Only after the emergency service made contact with the practice was my situation reassessed and an appointment offered. I found this sequence of events concerning and feel it should not occur. The reception area experience has similarly been unsatisfactory. Certain staff members have come across as unhelpful and unwelcoming in their manner. It feels as though patients are not being treated with the consideration one would expect when seeking healthcare support. I observed a notice regarding conduct towards staff, however I believe courtesy should be mutual – patients should feel respected and treated considerately when attending for care. This practice appears to be hindered by both its appointment system functionality and the quality of patient interactions at the front desk. Based on my experiences, I would encourage prospective patients to carefully consider whether this practice meets their needs before registering.

GP refusing to issue blood test forms requested

I'm frustrated with my general practice as they don't appear to be following through on my specialist's recommendations. My specialist has advised that I need regular blood tests every two weeks to monitor my response to medication, yet the practice has not provided me with the necessary forms to complete these tests. I've already missed one appointment and another is due imminently, but the practice continues to decline my request. This is concerning as it directly affects my health monitoring. After a difficult period, I'm finally making progress with my treatment, and this situation feels like an unnecessary obstacle. I believe this approach falls short of expected professional standards and patient care principles. I intend to escalate this matter formally with the practice management team.

Friendly reception made the visit straightforward

Excellent experience

Nurses took time to listen and care

The nursing staff at this practice are excellent, demonstrating patience and compassion in their interactions with patients.

Staff weren't willing to listen properly

The level of service I received fell short of expectations. The team seemed unwilling to engage constructively when I explained my concerns in detail and did not appear motivated to assist. As a result, I have decided to move my family to another general practice.

New appointment system makes booking difficult

The recent appointment booking system has proven to be problematic, as it is difficult to secure an appointment. Additionally, rather than being seen by a GP, patients are often directed to see a nurse instead, which has not been helpful. Overall, this has been a disappointing experience at the surgery.

Prescription ready faster than expected

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for having my prescription prepared so promptly. I truly value this efficient service. Wishing you all the best.

Receptionist and staff were polite and helpful throughout

I regularly see my usual GP who is an excellent clinician and takes time to listen to my concerns and make appropriate decisions regarding my care. I also attend appointments with nursing staff for blood tests and other investigations, and they provide good service. The reception team and prescription staff have always been courteous and supportive whenever I interact with them. I have had a positive experience at this practice overall and am satisfied with the care I receive here.

Couldn't get through on the phone line

This practitioner is not recommended. If you have the option to visit an alternative surgery, it would be advisable to do so. Based on this patient's experience, there were concerns about the quality of diagnostic assessment, the level of attentiveness to health concerns, and the brevity of the consultation, which left the patient feeling dismissed and undervalued.

Helpful staff who really listen to patients

The medical professionals and team at this practice have consistently demonstrated helpfulness and kindness towards myself and my loved ones. I value the level of care that is offered. I would readily suggest this surgery to others.

Friendly staff who genuinely listen and help

This is by far the finest medical centre I have encountered. The team demonstrates exceptional dedication with patient welfare consistently at the forefront of their approach. Staff members are invariably courteous and supportive. I genuinely wish more practices operated to this standard.

Concerns about previous diagnostic oversight and care quality

Unsatisfactory care experience I have concerns about the care provided during previous visits last year, when I felt my concerns were not adequately addressed and I was sent away without proper investigation. I subsequently attended an emergency department at another hospital where my daughter was diagnosed with a condition affecting her health, which required specialist treatment over an extended period. She has since made good progress with ongoing care. Following a recent visit for a viral infection, I remained dissatisfied with the consultation and felt my concerns were not taken seriously. I have documentation regarding this matter and have considered pursuing this further. However, my priority at present is ensuring my daughter's continued recovery, and I intend to address these concerns at a later time. I would respectfully request that future appointments be arranged with a different clinician, as I do not feel comfortable continuing under the current arrangement. I would appreciate a response from the practice regarding this request.