Old Fire Station Surgery

Frustrating healthcare experience with endless wait times

I've made numerous attempts to schedule an appointment, spending 30-40 minutes on hold each time, only to be informed that no slots are open and I must retry the following week. As an NHS employee seeking assistance, I feel completely abandoned. The lack of available support leaves me with no choice but to pursue private healthcare options. This experience has left me thoroughly frustrated and disheartened.

Worst customer service wait time ever

It's been 32 minutes just to advance two spots in the queue? That means over 15 minutes per customer. Yet if I finally connect, the call would last barely 45 seconds? This is completely illogical. I've been attempting to schedule an appointment for months without success.

Frustrating medical appointment with endless waiting

Wasted an hour and a half waiting for an appointment only to be informed that morning slots were fully booked. When I inquired about a later time slot, I was instructed to call back after 2 pm - completely ridiculous. I rarely visit the doctor, having not done so in nearly a decade because I'm conscious of not wanting to burden their schedule, but this experience is genuinely unacceptable and requires serious reconsideration.

Terrible customer service at medical reception desk

A month ago, I wrote my new address on a piece of paper and handed it to the receptionist, who assured me she would update it. Today, when I went to submit my ongoing medical prescription, I asked the reception staff to verify if my address had been changed. She checked and said no. I requested her to update it immediately, explaining it had been a month since I first provided the information. Her response was dismissive: "Sorry, I have other things to do now." When I insisted it would take just five minutes, she again refused. Frustrated, I ended up changing my address on the medical prescription myself, hoping it would be processed correctly. I am utterly speechless and disappointed with their lack of customer service. Moreover, when I called last week, the phone handler disconnected the call after I had been waiting 12th in the queue. She claimed she couldn't hear me, which is unacceptable for an emergency service. Simply amazing - and not in a good way.

Frustrating experience with unresponsive medical practice

I've been visiting this medical practice for an extended period and have generally found them satisfactory. However, recently it's become incredibly challenging just to reach the reception desk to schedule an appointment. I've been dealing with an ear infection for approximately six weeks, and I'm consistently unable to connect due to their perpetual phone queue, which forces me to give up after waiting over an hour. As a result, I've resorted to visiting a walk-in clinic where I was seen immediately the following day. I'm contemplating switching healthcare providers, though I acknowledge the current circumstances and safety protocols. After reading other patient reviews, I've noticed a pattern of similar dissatisfaction.

Frustrating administrative nightmare at local surgery

The administrative incompetence here is truly staggering! The surgery consistently falls short due to its bureaucratic shortcomings. Their new appointment system is woefully subpar: not only are telephone wait times excruciatingly long, but even if you manage to connect, there are invariably no slots available. Some of us have professional commitments that prevent spending hours on hold. Whatever became of e-consult? The medical professionals themselves remain wonderfully compassionate and attentive, assuming one can actually secure an appointment. Repeat prescription management is another area of notable dysfunction. For two consecutive medication cycles, I've encountered processing difficulties. Apparently, I require a medication review, though how I'm supposed to schedule such an appointment remains a complete mystery. I've been a patient at this practice since childhood, and witnessing its gradual deterioration is profoundly disappointing.

Terrible customer service with endless phone wait times

Their customer service is incredibly slow, and after waiting on hold for an hour, they abruptly disconnected my call.

Worst medical appointment experience ever nightmare

I am absolutely disgusted by this GPS service. This morning, I attempted to schedule an appointment for my husband and was initially informed I was 21st in the queue. After enduring a wait of one hour and nine minutes, I was then told I was third in line, only to subsequently hear a message stating 'the surgery is now closed'. This is completely unacceptable. It is utterly reprehensible how you mistreat patients simply trying to secure appointments for fundamental medical requirements that a GP practice should fundamentally offer. Your website claims 'The old fire station surgery provides primary health care under the ages of NHS England', but I seriously question what primary care you are actually delivering, as it certainly does not reflect any genuine concern for patient wellbeing.

Frustrating healthcare system leaves patient desperate for help

Perpetually struggling to secure recurring prescription refills, I've been attempting to schedule a medication review with my GP for almost two months, consistently being met with claims of no available appointments and dismissals of urgency. Whenever a concern is voiced, their sole response is a plea of being understaffed. If their resources are so depleted that they cannot provide fundamental primary healthcare services, it seems imperative for their regulatory authority to intervene before the entire system collapses.

Frustrating healthcare experience with endless waiting times

On 5 Oct, I received a text from the medical practice requesting a phone consultation. After an exhausting 45-minute wait to connect with someone, I was ultimately informed to call back after the 15th of November as no appointments were currently accessible. Attempting to schedule a doctors appointment for a pending blood test yielded the exact same response. This surgery is clearly dysfunctional and demonstrates a systematic inability to provide adequate patient care, necessitating immediate intervention and oversight.

Terrible service and no help from this surgery

I've been unsuccessful in securing an appointment multiple times. Not once have I managed to see a physician at this practice, and the sole instance where I nearly got an appointment, they directed me to the minor injuries unit instead. What's the point of a medical practice that provides absolutely no assistance? I'm seriously considering switching to private healthcare, where I might actually find a doctor who demonstrates some level of concern or competence.

Frustrating healthcare experience with zero support

Scheduling an appointment is always a nightmare. This time, I wasted three hours on hold without any resolution. They lack an e-consult option and the treatment center refuses to see me. I'm completely in the dark about how I'm supposed to receive medical care when I require it.

Frustrating nhs booking system wastes precious time

Quite frustrated with the day-of booking process. From 9 am, I endured a lengthy phone queue, only to be informed that all triage slots were exhausted for the day. Despite explaining my medical situation, I was advised to call back at 2:00 pm. When I did, I waited from position 8 to 5 for half an hour before the call disconnected. Attempting again, I found myself at position 12 and patiently waited 54 minutes, ultimately receiving the same message about no available appointments and being directed to the RHS urgent care centre. While I understand the NHS is trying to protect patients and staff during COVID by limiting appointments, this isn't feasible for everyone, particularly those without cars who must navigate multiple bus routes and risk exposure. I'm perplexed why the surgery keeps patients waiting on hold for hours just to be told no appointments are available. Their system desperately needs improvement in software and staff management. Having been with this GP for 5 years, Dr. Harding's previous assurances have given me confidence in managing my family's health. Now, experiencing this firsthand, I empathize with others' similar experiences. We're all anxious about COVID, but as a community, we can overcome these challenges by addressing such systemic issues. I remain hopeful for meaningful change.

Friendly service that truly makes a difference

Truly exceptional team members who demonstrate authentic compassion and dedication

Smooth and convenient digital healthcare experience

I just tried the online consultation service, and it exceeded my expectations. Over the recent weeks, I've managed to secure repeat prescriptions, schedule a blood test, and book a standard check-up with the nursing staff, all of which were seamlessly coordinated and conducted with precision and care. The medical center demonstrates excellent organization and is staffed by friendly, professional personnel.

Terrible service leaves patient without critical medication

They harassed me with accusations of not taking my medication, despite me adhering to the instructions I was given. I also pointed out my compromised respiratory condition and urgent need for my steroid inhaler, so I requested my essential prescription, which you arbitrarily terminated AGAIN!! How can I manage my health treatment when you persistently block my medication access? Moreover, attempting to communicate with your staff is virtually futile. As a further insult, during one visit for an asthma assessment, I was dismissed without testing because I "seemed fine". Completely not worth the effort

Brilliant insights from a visionary mind

Referencing Elon Musk, Dr. Harding delivered an absolutely top-notch presentation that couldn't be improved upon.

Solid service with minor communication challenges

We're thoroughly satisfied with our surgical experience. The sole reason for the 4-star rating is the occasional difficulty in scheduling and navigating the process, but these are minor, temporary inconveniences that don't detract significantly from the overall quality of care!!

Frustrating phone surgery experience with no help

Attempted to schedule a tablet repair service via phone today. Spent hours trying to get through, with no success from 9 AM to 4 PM. Seems like I'll be stuck dealing with this issue all weekend. Sarcastically wishing the service staff a pleasant weekend while I'm left frustrated.

Lifesaving care from compassionate medical professionals

I've battled numerous health challenges throughout my life, and I can confidently state that the Old Fire Station medical team has been exceptional in their treatment. Their online consultation service is incredibly efficient, providing rapid responses that far surpass traditional phone communication. My advice to those constantly criticizing would be to embrace modern technology and cease their incessant complaints.