James Alexander Family Practice

Receptionist was consistently polite and helpful

The reception staff at this practice have consistently been courteous and helpful during my visits, whether attending in person or calling ahead. They demonstrate a willingness to assist with any request. I've observed that the team manages challenging interactions from patients on a couple of occasions within the same week. Given the demanding nature of their role, I would encourage others to consider the broader context when reading negative feedback about this practice.

Staff listened without rushing me through

The nurse practitioners at this practice are absolutely brilliant people who both sit and listen to you without rushing. They genuinely want to help and have provided immense support with my mental health concerns and various other issues I've dealt with over the past few years. However, some of the reception staff can be condescending and make you feel undervalued.

Reception blocked urgent prescription requests repeatedly

Extremely disappointed with the service following my husband's discharge from hospital after a serious incident. When I contacted the practice requesting his medication to be issued, the receptionist advised that Friday was too soon and suggested calling back on Monday, despite concerns about him running out of tablets by Tuesday. On Monday, the doctor assured us the prescription would be sent to the pharmacy, but when my husband attended the next day, nothing had been received. We were told it would be sent again, yet by Thursday still no prescription had arrived. Additionally, the sick note contained errors and the staff displayed an unhelpful attitude towards my husband as though the situation was his responsibility. As a result, my husband has experienced uncomfortable and restless nights due to his ongoing pain. Once he has recovered, we intend to register with a different practice as we feel the current one lacks proper organisation and the clinical staff appear unfamiliar with their patients' circumstances. The reception team's communication could also be significantly improved.

Rude reception and data privacy concerns

The reception staff came across as unhelpful and unwelcoming. The clinical team's approach left me uncertain about their expertise. On several occasions, I felt my concerns were not taken seriously, and I have also been concerned about how my personal information has been handled. At this point, I feel my only option is to seek care elsewhere.

Reception staff were dismissive and unhelpful

The customer service experience was disappointing, with staff appearing dismissive during phone calls and unexplained periods on hold. Despite receiving correspondence requesting that I arrange appointments for my infant, I was informed that no slots were currently available and instructed to contact the practice again at a later date. The overall assistance provided fell short of expectations.

Reception staff were unhelpful and dismissive

The only positive experience was with one staff member. Do not expect to secure an appointment easily. I felt the practice showed discriminatory behaviour towards patients. I would recommend seeking care elsewhere. The reception team provided the poorest service I have encountered.

Appointments gone within minutes of opening

I have been registered with this practice for approximately 5 years and have attended around 4 times, so I do not use the service frequently. When I do attend, it is because I feel I need medical attention. On each visit, I have been seen by nursing staff or a prescribing pharmacist rather than a doctor. The consultation process appears to involve entering symptoms into a computer system, after which a solution is provided that often feels like a generic response rather than personalised care. For those who are employed, attempting to secure an appointment presents significant challenges. Calling at opening time results in extended waiting on the line, and by the time the call is answered, available appointment slots have already been allocated. This happens consistently, with all appointments typically gone within the first few minutes of the day. It raises questions about the value of being registered with a practice when accessing treatment regularly requires attending alternative healthcare facilities instead.

Difficult to book an appointment here

Challenging experience booking a consultation

Impossible to get same-day appointments here

This practice has not met my expectations. Appointments on the day are rarely available, and the staff have not been as helpful as I would have hoped. I am considering finding alternative care elsewhere.

Reception dismissed mental health concerns without assessment

Disappointing experience. I was advised that an in-person appointment wasn't necessary and was told someone would contact me by phone, though this call never came. Given my ongoing mental health concerns, I felt my situation wasn't being treated with appropriate urgency. It seems support is only prioritised when situations become critical.

Staff seemed rushed and dismissive throughout

The staff came across as unwelcoming. There is inconsistency in seeing the same practitioner on each visit. When appointments do occur, the time spent with the healthcare professional seems limited, with frequent absences from the consultation room. The clinical approach involves seeking input from colleagues, which raises questions about the level of experience. The reception staff interaction was unpleasant.

Staff made my daughter feel safe and secure

Attended the practice for a sit down and wait appointment for one of my children. The staff demonstrated competence and, most importantly, helped my child feel secure and at ease.

Reception gave conflicting information about prescription ordering

Placed a request for medication at the front desk. Two days later, I went to pick it up from the pharmacy, but they informed me it hadn't arrived. I returned to the surgery, where the receptionist assured me it was at the pharmacy. When I checked with the pharmacy again, they confirmed it still hadn't been received. After calling the surgery back, I was told that an appointment would be needed to process the request. This information would have been helpful initially and would have saved me from making multiple unnecessary trips. update - the service has improved noticeably in recent times, so I've adjusted my rating accordingly