Feedback reveals a practice with significant operational challenges that substantially impact patient access to care. Appointment booking remains the most pressing concern, with patients reporting difficulty reaching the practice by phone, inability to secure advance appointments, and same-day slots filling within minutes of opening. Phone system failures, including disconnections and prolonged waiting times, are consistently cited across reviews. Reception experience is mixed, with some patients describing courteous and accommodating staff, whilst others report discourteous interactions and unhelpfulness when attempting to book or communicate.
When patients successfully access care, clinical outcomes are generally positive, with doctors described as competent and responsive. However, access barriers create significant frustration and have reportedly led some patients to seek emergency care unnecessarily. Several reviews highlight concerns about communication breakdowns, insufficient staffing, and poor organisation affecting service delivery. The practice appears to struggle with managing demand relative to available capacity, creating a bottleneck that prevents many patients from obtaining timely appointments.
Positive feedback acknowledges the efforts of supportive staff members and the quality of medical care provided once accessed. However, the overwhelming pattern across reviews indicates that appointment availability and booking experience remain critical barriers to service, overshadowing positive aspects of clinical care and limiting the practice's ability to meet patient needs effectively.
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Claim & Manage ProfileShows how often this practice responds to patient reviews and feedback.
Feedback reveals a practice with significant operational challenges that substantially impact patient access to care. Appointment booking remains the most pressing concern, with patients reporting difficulty reaching the practice by phone, inability to secure advance appointments, and same-day slots filling within minutes of opening. Phone system failures, including disconnections and prolonged waiting times, are consistently cited across reviews. Reception experience is mixed, with some patients describing courteous and accommodating staff, whilst others report discourteous interactions and unhelpfulness when attempting to book or communicate.
When patients successfully access care, clinical outcomes are generally positive, with doctors described as competent and responsive. However, access barriers create significant frustration and have reportedly led some patients to seek emergency care unnecessarily. Several reviews highlight concerns about communication breakdowns, insufficient staffing, and poor organisation affecting service delivery. The practice appears to struggle with managing demand relative to available capacity, creating a bottleneck that prevents many patients from obtaining timely appointments.
Positive feedback acknowledges the efforts of supportive staff members and the quality of medical care provided once accessed. However, the overwhelming pattern across reviews indicates that appointment availability and booking experience remain critical barriers to service, overshadowing positive aspects of clinical care and limiting the practice's ability to meet patient needs effectively.
Appointment
Reception
Cleanliness
Care
Respect
Seen on time
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Grundy (.
4 years ago
Bad!
Terrible health service with dangerous medical mistakes
The absolute worst medical practice in Britain. Being a lifelong resident of Woodhouse, I know this surgery inside and out. I could go on about my experiences, but at 63, that would take too long. My most recent visit was just before Christmas. I had what I believed was a head cold for two weeks, hesitating to trouble the surgery until I became seriously ill. Attempting to book an appointment, I was stuck in the typical endless phone queue that inevitably disconnects. The next morning, I arrived at 8 am, second in line. When I requested to see a doctor, the receptionist questioned me about COVID due to my coughing. I mentioned having three recent tests. Asked about a PCR test, I strategically lied, saying yes to ensure entry. I was told to return at 9:30. Arriving at 9:25, I found the waiting room packed, despite a supposed four-person limit. I finally saw the doctor at 10:35 - not bad for being second in line. In under three minutes, I was prescribed antibiotics. After taking two tablets, I suffered a severe anaphylaxis episode, landing me in hospital for three days with infections in my liver, spleen, and head. I wonder what might have happened had I been truthful with the receptionist. Their response blames the phone system, but this issue has been ongoing for at least 11 months, if not longer.
Elliott T.
4 years ago
Bad!
Terrible product makes sickness even more miserable
Completely worthless. If the rating system allowed it, I'd assign zero stars. My recommendation? Avoid getting sick altogether.
Joanne F.
4 years ago
Bad!
Frustrated patient exposes broken healthcare booking system
I'm determined to camp out in reception right when it opens at 8.30am until I secure an appointment that day… everyone should follow suit.. The system is completely broken. Impossible to book an appointment except on the day first thing in the morning, and even then you're just one of 10 hopeful people. The phone system constantly disconnects. I just wasted 40 minutes waiting to become the first caller, only to have it ring endlessly before cutting me off. This is failing me, older community members, and countless others. Why is it impossible to schedule appointments for later today, tomorrow, or even a couple of weeks ahead?? Sure, the doctors provide good care when I finally get seen, but securing an appointment is a constant battle. It's absolutely ridiculous. I can ring my veterinarian and instantly get my dog scheduled for treatment. They answer immediately and book me in. So right now, animals are receiving better healthcare access than humans. I'm half-tempted to register myself at the veterinary clinic instead…
John F.
4 years ago
Bad!
Terrible service and frustrating phone experience
Endured an interminable wait on hold for more than 60 minutes, only to finally connect and have them abruptly hang up on me - a recurring issue. The quality of service at this medical practice has steadily deteriorated over time.
Sharon W.
4 years ago
Bad!
Frustrating medical experience with unhelpful staff
Terrible front desk staff and scheduling process - practically impossible to make a booking or get any assistance.
Laura W.
4 years ago
Bad!
Terrible first impression at this unresponsive medical practice
Despite reading numerous negative reviews, I proceeded to attempt registration at this medical practice... Unfortunately, I encountered difficulties as the Reception area had all its shutters closed. I lingered for 5 minutes, feeling uncertain about their process since this was my first visit. Another patient informed me that this is a typical occurrence. I waited an additional 5 minutes before moving to another window (also covered with blinds), where I could overhear staff members chatting and laughing. They mentioned they would not be open for another 15 minutes (information not provided on their website), seemingly both on a simultaneous lunch break, leaving 3 patients standing idle and a phone continuously ringing. The lack of professionalism and hospitality was striking. No signage explained that Reception staff would be unavailable during their collective lunch break. Regrettably, based on this initial experience, I will not be registering with this practice. Truly disappointing.
David C.
4 years ago
Bad!
Worst medical service ever experienced
incredibly fortunate to even get someone to pick up, let alone schedule a medical consultation spent 60 minutes waiting in phone queue reached the front and bzzzzzzzz disconnected. absolutely appalling
David P.
4 years ago
Bad!
Terrible service wasted my entire evening
After spending nearly an hour on hold, finally reaching the front of the queue only to be instructed to call back later, I'm incredibly frustrated. As a night shift worker, their lack of available appointments means I'm completely out of options. The service has deteriorated significantly, and I strongly recommend using 111 instead - it's far more reliable.
Scott R.
4 years ago
Bad!
Worst medical practice ever with zero communication
Getting through to Oakwood surgery feels like attempting to reach the Vatican - they seem impossibly unreachable. It's hard to believe they're genuinely so swamped that they can't pick up the phone. I've endured the frustrating process of queuing, waiting over thirty minutes to finally reach the first position in line, only to have the call drop. I've been trying this for three consecutive days now, with zero success.
Michele T.
4 years ago
Great!
Great service through challenging pandemic times
I've been receiving courteous and competent treatment ever since becoming a patient here. Despite some challenges arising from the pandemic restrictions, these were clearly beyond the surgery's control. The medical team, including the GP, nurses, and administrative staff, have been exceptionally responsive and helpful. If patients are willing to adapt to digital methods and carefully follow the provided instructions, the experience should be smooth. Highly recommended.
Rachael P.
4 years ago
Bad!
Terrible service and unhelpful receptionist at clinic
If I could, I'd rate this zero stars! The most discourteous front desk staff I've ever encountered! She dismissed me, suggesting I visit the emergency department because she was unwilling to assist me! My simple request was just to have a prescription filled, and I shouldn't have to burden A&E doctors for an inhaler just because she couldn't be bothered. Fortunately, the Oakwood pharmacy was incredibly supportive and, despite the challenge, managed to help me effectively! How can such individuals be permitted to work in a customer-facing role! I'll definitely be seeking a different medical practice to register with. I absolutely refuse to be treated so disrespectfully ever again and should never have been subjected to such treatment today!!!
Jaroslaw S.
4 years ago
Bad!
Terrible service and unhelpful front desk staff
I strongly advise against this place due to the discourteous front desk staff. Multiple attempts to schedule an appointment during their stated business hours were met with an abrupt message claiming no availability, leaving me frustrated and without service.
J R.
4 years ago
Bad!
Frustrating surgery with terrible phone and scheduling system
Getting an appointment at this surgery is an absolute nightmare! I tried calling right when they open, hoping to secure a same-day slot, which almost never happens. This morning, I was initially 25th in the queue, and just as I finally reached the front, the call abruptly disconnected - I'm uncertain whether I was deliberately hung up on. Immediately redialing, I found myself 10th in line, which means I'll have to wait until tomorrow with no guarantee of an appointment. Additionally, the receptionist staff are consistently discourteous. While you might occasionally encounter a pleasant employee, their attitude seems entirely dependent on their personal mood. The entire operation is disorganized and frustrating. Their automated phone system is particularly unbearable and should be completely eliminated.
Barbs B.
5 years ago
Bad!
Frustrating customer service with endless waiting
Spent the entire day attempting to reach someone, constantly being redirected to book online (which wasn't feasible) or contact the admin team (as if that would help). Ended up waiting in a phone queue at position 10 for a solid 20 minutes. When I finally got through, the receptionist was at least somewhat helpful.
David D.
5 years ago
Poor!
Frustrating phone experience at medical practice
I've been struggling to schedule an appointment recommended by my doctors, and it took me a staggering 15 phone attempts just to connect with someone. When I was informed I was 4th in line (an improvement from being 10th), I remained patient. Despite this, I still had to wait a grueling 10½ minutes before finally speaking with a receptionist. The situation at this medical practice continues to deteriorate, showing no signs of improvement.
Geoff W.
5 years ago
Bad!
Worst medical office experience ever
Spent over an hour on hold, desperately trying to reach a receptionist, only to be dismissed and instructed to call back tomorrow. Their online booking system is completely non-functional. This healthcare provider's service is absolutely unacceptable and falls far below any reasonable standard of customer care.
Lucy P.
5 years ago
Excellent!
Compassionate staff helped me through my emotional journey
I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the compassionate receptionists who have been incredibly supportive during my emotional breakdown over the past 48 hours. They demonstrated remarkable empathy, understanding my deep distress and overwhelming anxiety, and handled my situation with utmost professionalism and care. I am truly thankful for their kindness.
Rachel M.
5 years ago
Bad!
Terrible service from receptionists at this clinic
I previously believed the situation was poor, but now it has deteriorated to an utterly dismal state. And this isn't the fault of the physicians. When you (if you're fortunate enough to connect) successfully schedule an appointment, the doctors are truly exceptional! I've never encountered any issues with them. The problem lies entirely with the reception staff, who are discourteous, obstructive, and lacking in compassion. Even if you manage to miraculously get through, you'll discover that advance bookings are impossible and the day's appointments have already been fully allocated. Steer clear of this medical practice if at all possible!
Abbi M.
5 years ago
Bad!
Terrible service with zero customer support
This service is completely ineffective. Phone communication is impossible, and even if you manage to get through, advance booking is out of the question. You're forced to rely on same-day slots, which is totally impractical for someone like me without a car and with two young children - I have zero opportunity to organize childcare or transportation. The reception staff are utterly pointless; they either don't answer or are completely unhelpful when they do. It feels like they're just making lazy excuses. My daughter's 6-week newborn checks were delayed by 3 weeks, and her vaccines were a week late. I was ultimately forced to call 111 to try and prompt the doctors to arrange an appointment because every single time I called, the person responsible for scheduling was conveniently absent.
Daniel W.
5 years ago
Bad!
Terrible customer service that wastes my time
I've been spending the entire day attempting to contact them regarding a promised phone call from last week that never materialized. Instead of getting through, I'm repeatedly subjected to a tedious COVID-related announcement, only to be informed that all lines are currently unavailable, and then unceremoniously disconnected. This entire experience is completely unacceptable and utterly ridiculous.