Patient feedback reveals a deeply polarised experience at this practice, with significant challenges in appointment access and reception experience contrasting sharply with consistent praise for clinical care. The most persistent concern centres on booking systems, with patients reporting difficulty reaching the practice by phone, lengthy waits for callbacks, and rapid depletion of available appointment slots. Communication barriers are frequently cited, including phone lines that remain engaged, automated systems that disconnect calls, and reception staff described as dismissive or unhelpful when contact is eventually made. These access difficulties appear particularly acute for patients seeking urgent consultations, with some reporting waits extending weeks or being redirected elsewhere.
When patients do access clinical care, the feedback becomes notably more positive. Doctors are consistently described as thorough, compassionate, and attentive listeners who provide clear explanations and demonstrate genuine concern for patient welfare. Several practitioners receive specific commendation for their clinical expertise and empathetic approach. The nursing and pharmacy teams are similarly praised for professionalism and support.
A significant disconnect exists between reception and clinical experiences. While medical professionals are frequently highlighted as excellent, reception staff interactions are commonly characterised as discourteous, bureaucratic, or obstructive. Patients report feeling like obstacles rather than people seeking help, with some describing anxiety about contacting the practice. The practice environment itself receives mixed assessments, with some noting welcoming atmospheres while others describe it as unwelcoming or inaccessible. Recent changes including new booking systems and staff recruitment appear to have improved some experiences, though appointment availability remains a widespread concern.
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Patient feedback reveals a deeply polarised experience at this practice, with significant challenges in appointment access and reception experience contrasting sharply with consistent praise for clinical care. The most persistent concern centres on booking systems, with patients reporting difficulty reaching the practice by phone, lengthy waits for callbacks, and rapid depletion of available appointment slots. Communication barriers are frequently cited, including phone lines that remain engaged, automated systems that disconnect calls, and reception staff described as dismissive or unhelpful when contact is eventually made. These access difficulties appear particularly acute for patients seeking urgent consultations, with some reporting waits extending weeks or being redirected elsewhere.
When patients do access clinical care, the feedback becomes notably more positive. Doctors are consistently described as thorough, compassionate, and attentive listeners who provide clear explanations and demonstrate genuine concern for patient welfare. Several practitioners receive specific commendation for their clinical expertise and empathetic approach. The nursing and pharmacy teams are similarly praised for professionalism and support.
A significant disconnect exists between reception and clinical experiences. While medical professionals are frequently highlighted as excellent, reception staff interactions are commonly characterised as discourteous, bureaucratic, or obstructive. Patients report feeling like obstacles rather than people seeking help, with some describing anxiety about contacting the practice. The practice environment itself receives mixed assessments, with some noting welcoming atmospheres while others describe it as unwelcoming or inaccessible. Recent changes including new booking systems and staff recruitment appear to have improved some experiences, though appointment availability remains a widespread concern.
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Brenda B.
9 months ago
Excellent!
Exceptional care at oakwood medical centre
I cannot express enough appreciation for Oakwood Medical Centre, where the level of care and consideration is truly exceptional. Every staff member, from the front desk personnel to the nursing and medical professionals, has provided me with the most outstanding and timely service possible. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the entire team, sincerely from Brenda Balmer.
Paul C.
9 months ago
Excellent!
Amazing medical care from outstanding compassionate professionals
Having been registered with this medical practice for almost a year after relocating from Weaverham Surgery due to geographical restrictions, I can confidently share my personal perspective. As someone approaching 70 with extensive healthcare experience, I can attest that this surgery stands out as exceptional. The reception staff consistently demonstrate remarkable compassion and attentiveness to my medical requirements. The on-site services, including blood testing and other medical procedures, are truly impressive. Unlike my previous practice, I no longer need to travel to the Victoria Hospital for routine tests, as everything is conveniently handled within the surgery itself. The general practitioners are phenomenal - genuinely empathetic and skilled in addressing my intricate health concerns. I feel incredibly fortunate to be a patient at such a remarkable medical facility.
Lisa B.
10 months ago
Bad!
Unhelpful receptionist ruins patient's healthcare experience
I encountered a compassionate physician from a different clinic who genuinely listened and attempted to assist me. I shared that I've been waiting two years to see a dietitian. She advised me to ask the receptionist to follow up on this. When I did, the receptionist's response was dismissive: "We don't do that," despite the doctor's recommendation. I pointed out the contradiction between the doctor's advice and the receptionist's stance. Grudgingly, she checked and then told me to contact Leighton hospital's switchboard for the dietitian. When I asked for the number, she curtly responded, "Google it!" I'm utterly frustrated by this interaction. It's no wonder people avoid seeking medical help when receptionists are so unhelpful and uncooperative. This level of service is completely unacceptable! 😡
Sam W.
10 months ago
Excellent!
Exceptional healthcare and compassionate service for decades
I've been a patient at this medical practice for nearly a quarter-century and have consistently experienced top-notch care. Every doctor I've consulted has been exceptional, supporting not just my health but my children's as well. The reception staff are incredibly helpful and always go the extra mile to assist patients. Even after relocating, I chose to remain with this surgery because their quality of care is unparalleled. During my recent health challenges, the entire team has been compassionate, understanding, and delivered outstanding service. They make you feel valued and heard, which is truly significant. An absolutely fantastic healthcare provider in every respect.
Callum S.
one year ago
Bad!
Terrible service and unprofessional medical staff nightmare
To tell you the truth, I can't even bring myself to award this chaotic medical practice a single star. The treatment of patients is appalling, with an incredibly negative receptionist who seemed solely focused on listing my limitations instead of offering any constructive guidance or support. I'm absolutely determined to escalate this complaint because this medical facility is hands-down the most incompetent I've ever encountered - and "negligence" doesn't even begin to describe their approach.
Amber D.
one year ago
Bad!
Terrible service and frustrating healthcare experience
Impossible to schedule a basic checkup or get my medications transferred to my preferred pharmacy. I've already switched healthcare providers - ABSOLUTELY AVOID THIS PRACTICE!!!!!
Lucy D.
one year ago
Bad!
Terrible service drove me to find better care
The front desk staff displayed an incredibly unpleasant and dismissive attitude. I've since switched medical providers, and the improvement is truly remarkable.
Emily S.
one year ago
Bad!
Terrible customer service and unresponsive phone support
Called just before closing time at 6:30, and ended up stuck on hold until 6:45 with the automated system repeatedly claiming "you are 1st in the queue". It seems highly likely they were intentionally avoiding answering the call, which is incredibly frustrating and unprofessional.
Ian J.
one year ago
Excellent!
Quick care and compassion at oakwood medical centre
Oakwood Medical Centre provides top-notch service. After submitting my triage questionnaire, I was promptly contacted within ten minutes, and a consultation was scheduled in under three hours - truly impressive. The front desk personnel were welcoming and courteous, while the healthcare professionals demonstrated exceptional expertise, empathy, and meticulousness in their patient treatment. For anyone seeking a healthcare provider that truly prioritizes patient welfare, Oakwood Medical Centre is an outstanding choice! I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Andrew P.
one year ago
Excellent!
Outstanding healthcare service from oakwood medical centre
Update 19.05.25 As per usual, the service provided by all staff members, from reception to the doctors, has been exceptional. The only drawback is the appointment booking triage system. Nevertheless, the receptionists have always assisted me over the phone, so I can't really complain. I'm not fond of all this modern technological approach. Yet, I completely understand the reasoning behind it. Once more, heartfelt thanks for the outstanding service and remarkable patient-focused staff. Regards, Andrew I would like to extend warm holiday wishes to all staff at Oakwood Medical Centre for Christmas and the New Year. Truly exceptional general practitioner surgery, with staff from reception to doctors being 100% dedicated to patient care. I manage various medical challenges, including physical and mental health conditions (P.T.S.D). The staff have consistently been remarkable, whether the reception team or the doctors. I genuinely cannot find a single fault; quite the contrary. As a patient since 2002, whenever I require medical attention, I'm seen by an outstanding physician. Particularly Dr Luty and Dr Singleton deserve special mention. I'm on friendly terms with the reception staff who consistently go above and beyond, just like the doctors. People are quick to criticize but slow to praise, and I do both, hence this completely positive review. In my opinion, all N.H.S. staff are overworked and underpaid, which is unfortunately standard. However, as previously stated, all staff are truly exceptional. Unquestionably, the BEST medical practice I've ever encountered, with absolute confidence in all healthcare aspects. Thank you to everyone for managing my care needs. Your efforts are deeply appreciated. Rest assured, nothing is ever too much trouble for them 👍
Suzanne L.
one year ago
Excellent!
Exceptional care and compassion at medical practice
Staff at the front desk and telephone support are top-notch; the Practice Nurse is thorough, both medically and in communication, truly standing out; Dr. H, whom I consulted today, masterfully blended compassionate reassurance, precise diagnosis, and prompt treatment into a highly effective consultation.
Bob D.
one year ago
Bad!
Frustrating medical practice fails patients completely
What an utterly frustrating experience! I attempted to use the Triage system on Tuesday morning just before 8 a.m., only to find it was already fully booked. I called and was told, "Sorry, fully booked!" with instructions to try again the next day. On Wednesday at 7:55 a.m., I was second in line for the receptionist, yet by 8:05 a.m., I was again met with "Sorry sir, fully booked!" Determined, I stood my ground. I emphasized my 75-year history as an Oakwood patient and expressed my intention to leave due to their unacceptable service. The Triage system is nothing short of a complete farce. The receptionist's dismissive "That's up to you, sir!" response was infuriating. Dr. Moriarty and Dr. O'Sullivan would be horrified to see their practice deteriorate to such a low standard. The staff are patronizing, seemingly focused solely on preventing patient access to medical professionals. When I suggested seeing a nurse, I was curtly informed I must see a doctor - utterly ridiculous! Interestingly, the pharmacy staff provided me with comprehensive vaccination information following my eight-day hospital isolation, something the medical centre failed to do. My recent discharge from Leighton hospital carried no weight whatsoever. If I could rate this experience lower than zero stars, I absolutely would. Truly disappointing.
Valentina I.
one year ago
Bad!
Horrible service and discriminatory treatment avoid
Discriminatory treatment, consistently disrupting my scheduled visits, displaying unprofessional conduct, and employing discourteous front desk staff
Andrew G.
one year ago
Bad!
Booking appointments here is a total nightmare
Booking a consultation has become increasingly challenging. The online scheduling process is now a complex maze, making it tough to secure an urgent medical visit. Appointment slots vanish almost instantaneously after becoming available. Securing a spot seems about as probable as snagging tickets to a sold-out Taylor Swift concert at this medical facility.
Lisa H.
one year ago
Bad!
Terrible customer service ruined my medical experience
Attempted to schedule a consultation after a lengthy absence, only to be met with dismissive staff who suggested I visit a walk-in clinic instead.
Dawn G.
one year ago
Bad!
Dangerous practice with incompetent and uncaring staff
Utterly atrocious unless Dr Singleton happens to examine you. Dr Luty incorrectly diagnosed my skin cancer for half a decade, leaving me with a facial scar and a significant portion of my lip missing - conditions I would have avoided had Dr Luty referred me as I requested back in 2019. Recently (February 2025), after having a lung removed, my Macmillan nurse attempted to obtain urgent medication. Three days later, I'm still struggling to receive these critical meds and have been without pain relief for an entire day. Macmillan is now preparing a formal complaint, and I'm pursuing formal reporting to the appropriate regulatory agency. And this doesn't even address the one receptionist who seemingly missed her true calling in the Russian military - Vladimir Putin himself appears more cordial and accessible by comparison. If you have the option to choose an alternative medical practice, you absolutely should.
Royce M.
one year ago
Bad!
Terrible healthcare experience at foot clinic
Utterly useless. I potentially have a serious blood infection - as diagnosed by the foot clinic, yet they dismissed me without care. This mirrors my past experiences here (which are extremely rare). Absolutely disgraceful.
Jane S.
one year ago
Bad!
Worst customer service experience ever encountered
Throughout my numerous interactions with this practice, I have never encountered such disrespectful treatment. From the moment I spoke with the receptionist, her demeanor was brusque and dismissive, and she seemed to take a perverse satisfaction in informing me that they were completely booked for the day. When I commented on the complexity of their triage process, she muttered "it's simple" under her breath, seemingly to a colleague, though clearly intended for me to hear. I want to emphasize that I have no hearing impairment. This woman demonstrated an astounding lack of empathy and professionalism, making me feel utterly disregarded and unimportant.
Dennis S.
one year ago
Bad!
Terrible service from an unresponsive medical practice
Completely disorganized mess. As a night shift worker, by the time I wake up, all triage slots and consultations have vanished. I just approached the reception desk, where the staff member was rudely concealed behind his computer screen. I was informed that I must contact them at 8 AM to secure an appointment, which is impossible given that I'm asleep at that time. I long for the days when actually seeing a doctor was straightforward and accessible.
Kerry S.
one year ago
Bad!
Terrible customer service during mental health crisis
Battling severe depression and panic attacks, I was dismayed when they dismissed my early morning call as unacceptable. Despite attempting to articulate my challenging situation, I was met with the same rigid response. If I manage to survive, I'll make another attempt to contact them.