Lanchester Medical Centre

Receptionists make getting appointments nearly impossible

It's hardly worth contacting them. There are perpetually limited appointment slots available. Callback services are not reliably provided. The reception team can be challenging to work with. Accessing medical care feels like an ongoing struggle. My child has been unwell for approximately half a year. Following noticeable physical changes and fatigue, along with absence from education, obtaining a GP consultation remains extremely difficult. There appears to be a significant shortage of compassion and understanding in their approach.

Responsive doctors helped me get answers quickly

I recently relocated to the area and registered with this medical centre and I'm delighted with my decision. I'm extremely grateful to the clinical team for their prompt attention to my scan results – the speed at which they processed and communicated these back to me was impressive. I was also very appreciative of another clinician who took a proactive approach to ensuring I received the answers and support I needed. Their involvement led to my hospital admission happening quickly, and they even followed up with me afterwards to check on how I was getting on. This level of care and attention made a real difference to my treatment journey, and I'm very thankful to both members of staff for their dedication.

Good care and helpful reception staff

Excellent standard of care and service provided

Receptionist answered immediately and staff went extra miles

Experienced an uncommon issue requiring assistance from the practice. The reception team answered calls promptly each time, and the clinician returned contact as expected, demonstrating patience and genuine helpfulness throughout. The matter was resolved quickly and professionally, with staff members providing additional support beyond standard expectations. Appreciated the high standard of care delivered during a challenging period.

Dismissive attitude and long appointment waits

The clinician displayed an arrogant demeanor and I felt my condition was not accurately identified, despite their confident manner. A family member experienced serious health concerns that I believe were either incorrectly diagnosed or overlooked on multiple occasions. When I called early in the morning, I was informed that all appointments were fully booked. This practice has significant issues and I would recommend seeking care elsewhere.

Phone lines constantly engaged, appointments unavailable

Frustrating experience with the appointment booking system. It appears there's a lack of consideration for patients who work and cannot always call at the beginning of the day. Made multiple attempts to reach the practice yesterday but the line was constantly busy. Called back this morning regarding a medication query for my child, only to be informed that all available telephone consultation slots for that day had been filled. Was advised to try again the following day. When I asked if my details could be taken for a callback, this was declined, which seems counterproductive given the same accessibility issues would persist. With work starting early in the morning and the rush of getting everyone ready, finding time to call during business hours is genuinely difficult. Previous attempts have shown the lines are often engaged, making it hard to connect. Even when I do manage to get through, there are typically no remaining appointments available. The whole process feels unnecessarily complicated and inaccessible for working parents.

Long-term patient appreciates consistent care

I have found the service provided over the years to be quite satisfactory and I have been a resident of this area for 28 years, having remained registered with this practice throughout that entire period. Yes, there have been changes over time but they have not all been unfavourable.

Phone callback never arrived as promised

This experience was extremely disappointing. I was expecting a callback within a specific timeframe but did not receive one. The level of care and understanding shown felt inadequate, particularly regarding my health concerns. I felt that my situation was not treated with the seriousness it deserved. I was directed to seek an emergency appointment here following advice from another healthcare facility, but due to the lack of support received, I now feel I have no choice but to pursue emergency care elsewhere for something that could have been addressed more promptly.

Long waits and difficult appointment booking

Disappointing experience with lengthy delays in securing an appointment and extended waiting periods.

Service has declined with poor phone communication

This medical centre used to provide excellent care, but the quality has noticeably deteriorated over the past couple of years. There is inconsistency in seeing different clinicians at each visit, and there have been instances where appointments have run significantly behind schedule. On one occasion, a late arrival for a final appointment of the day resulted in the clinician being unwilling to proceed, despite the practice's stated waiting time policy. Attempts to obtain a repeat prescription have taken considerably longer than expected, with poor communication between staff members resulting in a gap in medication supply lasting nearly two weeks. Fortunately, the medication in question is not essential for survival, but the delay was still concerning. Contacting the practice to lodge a complaint or book an appointment has proven difficult, as phone lines are frequently unavailable, with response times taking several days. Switching to an alternative provider would be preferable, but options in the area are limited. It is disappointing to witness this decline, as the practice previously maintained high standards of clinical care and service delivery. The contrast between past and present performance is particularly regrettable.