Porter Brook Medical Centre

Frustrating healthcare access: Appointment woes

For the past half year, I've been struggling to secure appointments for both myself and my spouse. The online booking system has been consistently unavailable, showing no open slots for the entire six-month period. I'm at a loss regarding which physician to consult or where to turn to ensure I'm not overlooking a potential cancer diagnosis. The regulations surrounding this process remain unclear to me. It would be immensely helpful if there were a direct route to hospital care that didn't necessitate a preliminary visit to a general practitioner.

Friendly staff and painless mole removal

Having been referred to this clinic for mole removal by my general practitioner, I must admit I approached the appointment with considerable trepidation, largely due to some rather unfavorable reviews I had encountered. However, I'm pleased to report that my experience was overwhelmingly positive. The receptionist on duty (4th September, 10 AM) exhibited exceptional warmth and professionalism. Dr. Jonathan Keel, the surgeon who performed the procedure, along with his assistant, were truly outstanding. They provided comprehensive information about the mole removal process and subsequent care, and completed the entire procedure in a remarkably swift 15 minutes. I'm thoroughly satisfied with the outcome and cannot express enough gratitude to Dr. Keel for ensuring such a painless experience. This clinic has certainly exceeded my expectations, dispelling any preconceived notions I may have had based on previous reviews.

Frustrating phone booking system at GP clinic

I've experienced nothing but frustration with the phone booking system at this practice. It's an exercise in futility trying to secure an appointment, with your sole window of opportunity being a frantic 8:30 AM call. Even then, you're met with a disheartening "all lines are busy" message before being unceremoniously disconnected. The absence of an online booking option in this day and age is baffling and inconvenient. The current system is so inadequate that I'm left with no choice but to seek out a new GP. This practice's appointment system is woefully outdated and simply not fit for purpose in meeting patients' needs.

Long wait times mar dental experience

The service was mediocre at best. If you're considering booking an appointment, brace yourself for a lengthy three-month wait, only to end up with a vague phone consultation scheduled at an indeterminate time. The lack of promptness and specificity in their scheduling process leaves much to be desired.

Contrasting experiences at medical practice

I've visited this service twice for different issues. The first time, I saw a female doctor who was compassionate, attentive, and didn't dismiss my concerns. She even offered to consult with her colleagues for additional input, which I appreciated. Unfortunately, my second visit was a stark contrast. The male GP I encountered today left me in tears and questioning my decision to switch practices. Instead of addressing my actual concern about a potential link between my symptoms and an existing chronic condition and autoimmune disorder, he fixated on my mental health and weight. He seemed to brush off my serious eating disorder, claiming they "can't treat it" and can only refer me to dieticians who have already discharged me due to their inability to accommodate my disabilities and communication difficulties. The doctor's dismissive attitude was evident when he stated my "weight isn't a problem" and refused to prescribe nutrition drinks, insisting it must come through dieticians. His repeated refrain of "let's see what cardiology says" felt like a deflection, especially after I expressed concern about the lengthy waiting lists. Despite my plea that I might not survive the wait, he appeared indifferent and simply sent me on my way. This experience has left me feeling unheard, frustrated, and deeply concerned about the quality of care I'm receiving.

Endless wait, poor service: GP surgery nightmare

I waited an agonizing 28 minutes on the line, desperately trying to schedule an appointment, only to have the call abruptly terminated the moment someone finally picked up. I've never encountered a more incompetent GP practice in my life. Attempting to refill prescriptions is an exercise in futility, as they invariably botch the order. Securing an appointment? Forget about it. It's an insurmountable challenge. Who can afford to squander half an hour of their day, not once, but twice, just hanging on the phone? This level of inefficiency and disregard for patients' time is simply unacceptable.

Terrible wait times destroy patient experience

Absolutely terrible customer service. Had to endure a ridiculous two-week wait just to schedule a doctor's appointment...

Compassionate doctor who truly cares about patient's health

Excellent medical professional who genuinely makes an effort to address your health concerns comprehensively. Much appreciation.

Lengthy waits and rigid scheduling plague clinic

The telephone system desperately needs an overhaul. Enduring a one-hour wait might be tolerable for a single appointment, but it's utterly impractical for those requiring frequent bookings. The four-week delay for a scheduled call, which could come at any moment during the appointed day, is absurd. Missing this call by even 60 seconds forces you back into the queue, condemning you to another month-long wait. This level of service is nothing short of abysmal and shows a complete disregard for patients' time and needs.

Gentle care triumphs over negative reviews

Ignore not the whispers of discontent, for they may cloud your judgment. My recent encounter with Sheryse was nothing short of extraordinary. Punctuality reigned supreme as I arrived for my 11:30 appointment, greeted by zero waiting time. Initial trepidation, fueled by unfavorable reviews, melted away in the face of Sheryse's unparalleled kindness and gentleness. Words fail to capture the depth of her compassion. Previous experiences at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals paled in comparison, merely adequate in retrospect. For the first time, I found myself enveloped in a cocoon of comfort and ease. Gratitude overflows for Sheryse's exceptional care. The self-check-in process streamlined my visit, bypassing any interaction with reception staff. Thus, I cannot speak to their demeanor or efficiency.

Reliable surgery despite NHS pressures

I've been a patient at this medical practice for quite some time, and despite the rotation of physicians over the years, I've consistently found myself impressed by the attentiveness and comprehensive nature of my appointments. It's evident that they're facing the same challenges as the broader NHS, with occasional difficulties in securing timely consultations. Nevertheless, I believe they're performing admirably given the current healthcare landscape. Their commitment to patient care shines through, even amidst the pressures they face.

Positive patient experience at medical practice

I'm puzzled by the negative reviews, as my experiences with this practice have consistently been positive. While it's true that there can be lengthy phone queues in the early morning, they typically move at a reasonable pace. I've found that calling later in the day often yields quicker results. The receptionists are invariably friendly and accommodating, always offering the option of a doctor's callback – a promise that has never failed to materialize. Post-COVID, securing face-to-face appointments has become challenging across all medical practices. However, when I've genuinely required an in-person consultation, I've managed to secure one. The practice has also been efficient in processing referrals to other services. Overall, I'm grateful for their dedication and service. Mrs. Chris Johnson

Declining service at once-brilliant surgery

I once held this medical practice in high regard, but my opinion has drastically shifted. Three times in the past month alone, they've bungled my prescription, leaving me without crucial medication for 72 hours. To add insult to injury, they offered me an appointment for a non-urgent matter a full month away. What use is that to anyone? It seems the only way to receive decent care nowadays is to pay out of pocket. After nearly three decades of loyalty, I find myself utterly disheartened. This experience has solidified my decision to seek medical care elsewhere. It's a shame to see such a decline in service quality, especially when people's health is at stake.

Exceptional care and compassion at NHS clinic

I contacted the clinic early in the morning to schedule an appointment, anticipating a bit of a wait due to the NHS booking system. While they initially offered a slot for the following week, I inquired about a phone consultation and was pleasantly surprised to learn one was available that very day. Within minutes, a physician returned my call. After a quick chat, she invited me for an in-person examination later that afternoon. I arrived feeling quite anxious, but Sophie's exceptional care put me at ease immediately. Her thorough explanations of potential causes for my symptoms were incredibly reassuring. She took the time to listen attentively, making me feel truly heard and respected. Sophie's patience and compassion shone through, especially considering the demanding nature of her work environment. The referral she provided was much appreciated. I'm immensely grateful for Sophie's outstanding support during what could have been a stressful experience.

Clinic closes early: Rude staff and poor service

I experienced a disappointing visit to this establishment. Upon arriving at 4 PM, despite the online information stating they were open until 6 PM, I found the place effectively closed. Two female employees were engrossed in conversation behind the reception desk, seemingly oblivious to my presence. When I inquired about the situation, they dismissively cited "staff training" as the reason. This encounter left me with the impression that these were the most unprofessional medical practitioners I've ever encountered. The discrepancy between their advertised hours and actual availability, coupled with the staff's apparent disregard for patient needs, was truly disheartening.

Terrible medical centre with zero customer respect

Absolutely horrendous customer service. They schedule appointments with confirmation, only to arbitrarily cancel them without any prior communication or explanation. It's incredibly frustrating when you struggle to make your way to the medical center, only to be informed upon arrival that your appointment has been canceled, with the next available slot being either the following day or two months away. Save yourself the hassle and avoid this place entirely.

Skilled medical team made surgery a breeze

Underwent a small medical procedure. The healthcare professionals were top-notch. Quick, competent, well-informed, and highly skilled. Extremely grateful for their care.

Terrible service and zero help from this practice

Absolutely the most disappointing medical practice I've encountered. I've never managed to secure an in-person consultation, with only a single telephone appointment regarding repeat prescriptions. During that call, the healthcare professional failed to follow through on promised assistance, specifically not sending the advised email I was expecting. Despite being told I urgently required three emergency appointments, a month has passed and I'm still unable to book any of them.

Pbmc healthcare quality has seriously declined

I've been a patient at pbmc for 6-7 years, and prior to the pandemic, their service was streamlined. However, since Covid, their standards have noticeably declined. For an extended period, Covid was used as a justification to avoid offering in-person consultations. Currently, scheduling a GP appointment takes around 4 weeks, and when you finally see a doctor, they often seem rushed and somewhat indifferent to your concerns. In the past, a critical two-week wait appointment never materialized, and I had to follow up myself. I suspect the referral was never properly submitted initially. Conversely, a more recent referral was processed efficiently and promptly. The clinic desperately needs to improve their appointment booking system. Patients shouldn't have to endure 20-minute phone waits or face minimum 4-week waiting periods. While I'm skeptical these changes will occur, I remain hopeful that improvements might eventually be implemented.

Frustrating wait for medication reorder process

Why should I waste 30 minutes trying to refill my prescription? Your website desperately needs a straightforward reordering form to make this process more efficient.