St. Albans Medical Group

Receptionist listened and got things done

5 * rating for the receptionist today! Thank you for listening and passing on my concerns to the clinical team, which resulted in my husband receiving a welcome telephone call 🙂

Helpful team despite imperfect booking system

The appointment system could use some improvement, but aside from that everything is excellent. The team is good and everyone is very helpful. The GP I saw was exceptionally helpful and provided great care.

Impossible to book an appointment while working

The appointment booking system at this practice is extremely frustrating. Access to consultations appears limited unless you're willing to use online triage, book through their website, or call during morning hours. This creates significant barriers for working individuals who cannot accommodate these requirements. The inflexibility of the scheduling process feels dismissive of patients' circumstances and availability constraints.

Couldn't get a callback for weeks

I have had a very poor experience and have been waiting for a callback for an extended period without success, which has prompted me to consider switching to a different practice.

Nurse practitioners delivered better care than GPs

Overall, I would recommend attempting to book an appointment with a nurse practitioner if possible. They tend to be exceptionally supportive and demonstrate strong understanding of available options and appropriate referral pathways compared to the doctors. My experience has been that the nurse practitioners provided more meaningful progress than I had previously experienced with the doctors over an extended period. Pros: Nurse practitioners Cons: Doctors, booking system, inconsistent reception team coordination (likely stemming from internal processes or staff development rather than individual capability)

Couldn't get through on the phone

I would not suggest this practice to others.

Receptionist unhelpful and doctors dismissive

The medical professionals at this practice were unhelpful and dismissive when assistance was needed. The reception staff were also not particularly competent. I would consider switching to another practice if alternative options were available.

Doctors who actually listen to you

Excellent medical professionals

Couldn't get through on the phone

Not satisfactory.

Long waits are just part of the process

Unfortunately, waiting seems to be standard practice here. The clinicians are doing their best to assist all their patients, and the younger staff members are still developing their skills. It requires patience on the patient's part. I'm now in my sixties and have been with this practice for many years.

Reception staff dismissing concerns without proper help

The reception experience has been disappointing, with staff appearing to make clinical judgements beyond their role and providing unhelpful responses. Accessing appointments seems difficult unless dealing with specific circumstances, and there have been repeated visits without resolution. On multiple occasions, medication-related queries have not been addressed satisfactorily, leaving the situation unresolved and impacting daily functioning. The overall impression is that reception staff lack the capability to assist effectively with these matters.

Impossible to book appointments at this surgery

Struggled to secure appointment slots and experienced lengthy delays for callback responses. Found telephone assessments inadequate for my needs. Overall dissatisfied with the service and would not suggest this practice to others.

Impossible to book an appointment here

You will face extremely long waiting times if you try to book an appointment at this practice. If you are unwell, you may find yourself waiting for extended periods to secure an appointment, and there is no guarantee you will be seen even after a considerable wait.

Impossible to book an appointment by phone

Is it acceptable to express frustration here? I have been attempting to schedule an appointment for approximately two weeks without success. Each time I contact the practice, I am informed that all slots are currently full and advised to call back the following morning at 8:30am. However, the line remains busy until 9am on every occasion, and I am consistently told that no further appointments are available that day. Today alone I have made 41 calls. I am extremely frustrated with this situation.

Pain relief came through quickly

Thank you for the recommendation provided during my appointment. I obtained the medication that was suggested and have experienced a significant reduction in my discomfort. Given the considerable pain I had been dealing with over the preceding weeks, I am very grateful for the help received.

One staff member made me walk out

One member of the medical team demonstrated behaviour that I found disappointing and unhelpful during my interaction. I felt the approach taken was not conducive to a positive patient experience, and I chose not to proceed with that appointment. The remainder of the practice staff have been excellent and provide a high standard of care. It is unfortunate that this single experience has affected my overall impression of what is otherwise a capable and professional medical group.

Staff made us feel genuinely listened to

My family and I are completely satisfied with the doctors and other staff members.