Rydings Hall Surgery

Thrown to the Wolves

I have been going to this practice all my life. Then since one of the doctors joined the practice, in my opinion the quality of care has massively declined. I attended with concerns about ADHD, which he said, "What do you want me to do about it?" I have since been in touch regarding searing back pain, which apparently after moving closer to the surgery, I am no longer in their catchment and they will not see me.

Quick appointment with a calm, prepared nurse

The self-check process is straightforward. My waiting time before being seen was reasonable. As someone with a significant needle anxiety, I was understandably apprehensive and unwell beforehand. The clinical staff member demonstrated good preparation, took time with me, and completed the procedure efficiently.

Long wait times and dismissive approach to patient care

I found this practice to be extremely disappointing. In my view, they do not provide adequate support to their patients. I felt that an elderly patient with a significant joint condition was not given sufficient pain management or care. I was frustrated by what I perceived as a lack of effort from the clinical staff. I also have concerns about recent industrial action taken by NHS staff, as I question whether the reasons given for such action are justified, given my experience of the service provided.

Nurses were helpful and straightforward

The nursing staff provided good care throughout my visits and I had no complaints about my experience with them.

Reception staff were dismissive and unhelpful

Poor service experience. The receptionist's conduct was discourteous. I felt very dissatisfied with how I was treated at the front desk during my visit. The staff member's demeanour appeared unfriendly, dismissive, and fell short of acceptable professional standards. I was instructed to complete a urine sample collection and provide additional information on a form, even though the necessary details were already visible on the container itself. As someone working in a care capacity, I do not have clinical nursing responsibilities, and this task did not fall within my remit. The apparent lack of awareness regarding my professional role was disappointing. Additionally, after standing in line without complaint, I was asked to move aside so that another person could be seen before me. This felt unjust and disrespectful, particularly given that I had previously mentioned I had limited time before needing to support another individual. The receptionist's manner and approach seemed inappropriate and came across as distinctly unfriendly. This standard of service is not satisfactory, and I would anticipate that staff members would extend a reasonable degree of courtesy and consideration to all visitors.

Reception staff were helpful, but felt rushed and unheard

Be cautious about booking appointments with a particular clinician at this practice. I experienced symptoms for nearly two weeks, including vomiting, persistent coughing, abdominal pain, blood in urine, and fever. However, the clinician showed little genuine interest in my concerns. Upon arrival, feeling anxious about my health, I was met with a dismissive comment about my condition. When I tried to describe my symptoms in detail, I was frequently interrupted and felt unheard. The physical examination involved firm abdominal pressure, and when I expressed that this was causing me pain and asked for a gentler approach, the response felt dismissive rather than reassuring. I was prescribed medication for a urinary tract infection before test results were confirmed. I was told results would be provided the following day, but I had to contact the practice myself to obtain them. The results ultimately showed I did not have the suspected infection, which seemed inconsistent with my reported symptoms of chest pain and coughing. I've since learned from conversations with other patients who reported similar experiences with this same clinician—feeling rushed through appointments and having their concerns dismissed. The reception team, however, deserve recognition for their professionalism and helpfulness. ❤️

Phone staff could be more helpful with queries

Some members of the reception team who handle phone calls tend to provide minimal responses or short answers that don't seem to invite further discussion. It comes across as though they may not be particularly engaged with your inquiry.

Helpful reception staff made all the difference

If your call is answered by the receptionist, you can expect helpful and understanding support.

Staff seemed dismissive when raising serious concerns

The staff here are evidently stretched thin. Many of the team members demonstrate genuine capability, and one senses they could provide excellent care if afforded adequate time and resources. Having worked in healthcare myself, I recognise that delivering your best work becomes impossible when burdened by excessive workload and insufficient time to perform your duties properly. However, it is deeply concerning when the level of care becomes so dismissive that patients are essentially turned away. To display no genuine engagement with patient concerns, particularly when individuals are visibly unwell or clearly distressed, falls well short of acceptable professional standards. Our family experienced a serious medical event that, by chance, did not result in tragedy. Since changing practices, it has become evident that this condition could have been identified much earlier. The previous surgery possessed the necessary information; had they engaged with our concerns rather than disregarding them, the outcome might have been very different. As a taxpayer, I have always believed pursuing legal action against the NHS is wrong, and I maintain that view. Yet I now understand the desperation that drives others to do so. Witnessing a loved one deteriorate to the point of critical danger, only to encounter indifference from the clinician, is profoundly distressing. Those familiar with the practice will recognise the individual in question, and their colleagues should have intervened long ago. I acknowledge that some patients present with unfounded health anxieties, and that diagnostic reasoning typically favours common explanations over rare ones. However, this principle cannot apply universally. This practice risks overlooking serious conditions. I knew someone who was dismissed with an explanation that proved dangerously inadequate. This is what happens when clinicians lack curiosity or fail to listen properly. The consequences can be fatal. Other family members have endured different yet equally troubling experiences at this practice. They have faced repeated emotional strain whilst managing chronic health conditions, alongside associated anxiety and depression. A neurodevelopmental condition required prolonged advocacy before diagnosis, following multiple dismissals. The practice's approach has compounded their difficulties, making healthcare engagement so stressful that they now experience panic before appointments. We have family members with significant hearing and mobility challenges. Yet the only appointment access is by telephone or in-person attendance. Neurodivergent individuals requiring prescriptions that could be dispensed remotely are still required to attend face-to-face, regardless of the distress this causes. When queries go unanswered, travelling to the practice yields no resolution. Being asked to "pop back" dismisses the genuine burden of leaving work and travelling. Those without transport resources face even greater barriers. I recognise the pressures facing general practice and the gatekeeping role required. However, our family are educated and able to advocate for themselves. I am deeply troubled considering how vulnerable patients might fare. The thought that our child could one day depend on such a practice for care is alarming. For entirely different reasons, our family members are fortunate to be alive. This is entirely despite, not because of, this practice. You may consider this an overstatement. It is not. I had sympathised with the difficult circumstances facing clinicians. However, observing how another practice operates has transformed that sympathy into dismay at having tolerated repeated dismissal, compromised dignity, and near-loss of loved ones. This reflects not isolated clinical error, but sustained poor practice choices. If you are dissatisfied with your current practice, you have the right to register elsewhere. The process can be explained to you.

Staff went the extra mile to help

The team here are wonderful and consistently make a genuine effort to provide excellent care and support to all patients.

Staff made the visit feel pleasant

The excellent team members at this practice make attending appointments feel almost enjoyable, even when you're not feeling your best 😫 🤒 😆

Helpful staff who listen and go the extra mile

The entire team at this practice demonstrates helpfulness and friendliness, and when approached with courtesy, they make genuine efforts to assist patients with their needs. Having experience working within the NHS myself, I recognise how important it is to treat healthcare professionals with respect, as they often face challenging interactions. The staff here are particularly supportive and considerate in their approach to patient care.

Staff treated us with genuine respect and care

The entire team at this practice demonstrates exceptional professionalism. I have interacted with various members of staff on behalf of my parents, and they consistently display courtesy, helpfulness, and consideration. In my experience, when you approach them with the respect they merit, they are willing to make extra efforts to support your needs.

Long-term patients treated with genuine care

Our family has been registered with this practice for more than two decades and has consistently received attentive and respectful care from everyone here. Appointments are readily available, consultations are comprehensive and empathetic, and every interaction has been courteous and professional throughout. I would strongly encourage others to consider this practice.

Receptionists always helpful when you phone

I cannot speak highly enough of this practice, as the entire team consistently goes the extra mile for me. Whenever I contact them, the reception staff are invariably helpful and compassionate, ensuring I receive the support I require. Having been a patient here for many decades and having experienced various healthcare settings over that time, I can confidently say this is the finest I have encountered. My sincere appreciation to everyone involved. I am genuinely grateful to be part of this practice.

Friendly staff made me feel heard

I would like to express my gratitude to all the staff at the practice for delivering an excellent, welcoming, informative and supportive experience. The service was of a high standard and I appreciate the effort shown. Thank you once again.

Struggling to get through on the phone

This practice was once excellent but has experienced a significant decline in quality. Attempting to access care has become more difficult than managing the situation independently.

Felt unheard and switched to hospital care

Does anyone know the process for switching to a different GP? I'm frustrated with the level of care and support received at my current practice, and I found it unhelpful to receive correspondence about my behaviour rather than having my concerns properly addressed. I felt the practice wasn't responsive to my needs. I'm grateful for the assistance I received through alternative healthcare services, which proved to be much more supportive and effective.

Supportive care through my recovery journey

😎 OUTSTANDING STAFF 👍 THANK YOU FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE CARE AND ASSISTANCE THROUGHOUT MY RECOVERY JOURNEY🙏⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Impossible to reach, appointments vanish within minutes

Relocated to this area and registered with this practice. Unfortunately, it has not met my expectations. Obtaining an appointment proves extremely difficult. Telephone wait times frequently exceed 30-40 minutes, and by the time a connection is made, all available slots have been taken. I attempted to use the online patient portal to seek assistance, as my former practice managed this effectively, but was informed that matters could not be addressed through this channel and that an in-person consultation was necessary, requiring a call at 8am the next day. During my appointment with a clinician at this practice, I felt the greeting was rather abrupt and lacked warmth, with no initial pleasantries or enquiry about my wellbeing. The overall interaction left me feeling the practice lacks a patient-centred approach. Having been registered for only a few months, I have decided to seek care elsewhere. I would suggest considering alternative options.