St George's Crescent Surgery

Long wait for blood test results and replies

This practice has been disappointing. I have been waiting for test results and for them to be reviewed for an extended period. After waiting considerably longer, I attempted to contact the surgery by phone but spent a significant amount of time in the queue without receiving a response. I found this experience frustrating.

Struggling to get same-day appointments here

The practice appears to lack adequate staffing levels. There are persistent difficulties in securing same-day appointments when calling during opening hours, with staff indicating that availability is consistently full and no slots can be offered for immediate or subsequent days.

Struggled to understand during appointment

I would advise caution when considering this practice. I had concerns about the communication abilities of the clinician I was assigned to, which affected my experience during appointments.

Staff took time to listen and help

The team demonstrated considerable empathy and provided valuable assistance throughout my visit.

Dire straits

Waited over an hour and 45 minutes to be seen. Took forever to answer the phone to book an appointment

Above and Beyond: Exceptional Pharmacy Team

As the manager located adjacent to this practice, I want to commend the entire team for their remarkable dedication. In instances where patients urgently need medication they have exhausted or when we reach out for immediate prescriptions, they consistently strive to ensure that we receive those prescriptions on the same day, provided it falls within a reasonable timeframe for ordering. Their upbeat demeanor is evident as they earnestly work to address any challenges that arise, without hesitation. Kudos to the team for your excellent work!

Receptionists dismissive when seeking mental health support

Some of the clinicians are quite pleasant and provide good care, however I'm dealing with a mental health matter and have been told to contact the practice if my medication becomes ineffective. Unfortunately, the reception staff didn't handle the situation with much compassion. They seemed dismissive of my concerns and the person I spoke with came across as unhelpful on the phone, simply instructing me to call back during daytime hours after I'd already spent considerable time attempting to reach someone. This experience has left me considering switching to a different practice.

Online booking promised but no appointments available

Attempted to schedule an appointment by phone and was directed to use the online booking system via the patient portal app. Upon trying this method, no available slots could be found for any appointments within the coming month. It appears unclear whether the online booking system is actively utilised. I was advised to call back at 08:00 the next morning, which coincides with a busy time when many people are preparing for work. This timing presents a challenge for working individuals seeking to book appointments. The appointment booking process could benefit from being more accessible and user-friendly.

Warm Receptionists Make Doctor Calls Less Stressful

The reception staff at this location consistently exudes warmth and a genuine desire to assist. While reaching out to the doctors can sometimes feel daunting, their friendly approach and compassion significantly alleviate the stress associated with the entire experience.

Friendly Staff, Efficient Service Despite NHS Pressures

The staff is extremely welcoming, and the wait time on the phone was quite reasonable. Given the current challenges facing the NHS and the demands placed on general practitioners, I am very satisfied with the service provided. Thank you!

Poor Service After Doctor's Departure

This location has been quite disappointing! After submitting a water sample, I had to endure more than a week waiting for the doctor's call with the results; I called daily to check in! They finally reached out today and informed me that my medication was at the pharmacy. However, when I arrived after 7 PM, there was nothing available. They advised me to either contact 111 or wait until Monday for further assistance! Ever since Dr. Alsted departed, the care provided by doctors here seems appalling and as if they have little regard for patients’ needs!

Rude Reception at Nearby GP Practice

We attempted to enroll our seven-month-old daughter with this general practitioner after relocating beyond the service area of our former practice. My partner made a phone call and was instructed to submit an application form in person. However, when she arrived, the receptionist she encountered displayed rudeness and condescension. Despite clearly stating that we resided just 0.7 miles from the clinic—which is comfortably within the limits outlined on their website—she appeared indifferent and more focused on chatting with her coworkers rather than assisting us. This behavior was quite unprofessional and disappointing.

Positive Experience Despite Healthcare System Challenges

In my experience, the receptionists and physicians have predominantly been courteous and professional. Although it can sometimes be challenging to reach them or secure an appointment, I believe the personnel genuinely strive to assist, particularly considering the fractured state of the health and social care system. I am confident that if they had a say in the matter, the clinic would prefer to serve more individuals and adjust specific policies for greater efficiency; however, regrettably, many of those choices lie outside their influence.

Outdated Prescription System Fails Vulnerable Patients

The reception team provided unsatisfactory service, particularly to elderly patients who are often in vulnerable situations. Their conduct was both discourteous and unprofessional. It raises the question of why, in this modern era, we still resort to physically delivering paper prescriptions to the adjacent pharmacy when electronic methods could handle it instantly. This reliance on reception staff to complete their shifts and ensure prescriptions are delivered is an inefficient practice at its core. It's no surprise that the NHS finds itself facing significant financial challenges given such outdated systems.

Unprofessional Surgery Staff Ignores Patient Needs

This is the most disappointing surgery experience I’ve ever encountered; I strongly recommend avoiding it! The staff showed a lack of respect. I waited for thirty minutes at the front desk, and when someone finally acknowledged my presence, it was apparent that other receptionists were laughing and chatting instead of assisting patients seeking appointments or guidance from a general practitioner. Such behavior reflects extreme unprofessionalism; perhaps these ladies should consider employment in a factory if they are unable to provide assistance as receptionists! I'm still waiting for my GP to return my call regarding biopsy results—nothing has come through yet! If I don't reach out myself, it seems they would simply overlook me. It’s hard to believe how poorly they treat individuals. One can only imagine how they would behave towards their own family members! Unfortunately, there is nothing positive to say about this practice, and I am actively searching for another one.

Trust Lost After Beloved Doctor's Retirement

Following Dr. Alstead's retirement, the practice has significantly deteriorated. I once felt secure in my healthcare with him at the helm, but since his departure, I've only experienced stress and disappointment. Currently, I am looking into alternative medical facilities in hopes of discovering a more satisfactory service that meets my needs better than what I've encountered recently.

Phone queue delays left us waiting all day

Called early this morning requesting a consultation as my child was displaying symptoms of a particular infection, which I communicated clearly when booking. I attempted to reach the practice several times throughout the day and was informed they were running behind schedule. By late afternoon, I had not received a callback. I feel the practice should reconsider its priorities, as this situation was frustrating. Additionally, I believe the practice should aim to see patients during standard opening hours rather than directing them elsewhere for issues that could be managed in-house.

Reception gave confusing advice about the lift

Attended an emergency appointment for my very young infant who was quite poorly. The appointment was located upstairs, and upon arrival I was instructed by a member of reception staff to remove my child from the pram and carry her up the stairs, despite there being a functioning lift available. I found this instruction puzzling and initially assumed the lift must be out of service. However, when I proceeded to check, I discovered the lift was working perfectly well. When I queried this with the staff member, they responded positively to my using the lift instead. I remain uncertain about the reasoning behind the initial instruction, as it would have been more practical to keep my child in the pram. This interaction added to my overall sense of frustration, as I have encountered similar difficulties with various members of the reception team on previous visits.

Receptionists were helpful and polite throughout

I called on Friday and spoke to a welcoming receptionist who was polite and helpful, asking me to ring back on Monday, which I did. When I called back, I spoke to another receptionist who was equally lovely and helpful, and managed to arrange an afternoon appointment for my mum. I feel receptionists often receive unwarranted criticism, but in my experience they deserve nothing but commendation for the service they provide.

Phone consultations felt rushed and dismissive

I called to discuss ongoing shoulder discomfort that has persisted for several months. During the conversation, I felt that the healthcare provider did not explore diagnostic imaging options and seemed unfamiliar with my situation. The consultation resulted in a painkiller prescription before the call ended. When I attempted to follow up immediately afterward, I was informed that another appointment could be scheduled, though it would be approximately three weeks away.