The Allan Practice, Calcot Medical Centre

Repeated cancellations and difficult appointment booking process

We have found our experience with this practice to be disappointing overall: - Our child's initial vaccination appointments have been cancelled and rearranged multiple times across separate occasions. - The team appears to operate on part-time arrangements, resulting in what feels like inadequate staffing levels. - During a consultation with our young child, we felt the approach taken was dismissive when our child naturally became restless after an extended wait and interacted with fixtures in the consultation room. - Finding an available parking space at the practice is challenging. - Each clinician has a dedicated secretary, though secretarial support is not available throughout the working week, making it impossible to arrange routine appointments on days when these staff members are absent. - On a positive note, the receptionist at the desk is friendly and welcoming, though they are unable to assist with appointment bookings, which are instead handled by part-time secretarial staff who have limited availability and gaps in their schedule.

Felt genuinely listened to and cared for

I am receiving good care from the clinical team at the practice. The healthcare professionals I see are intelligent and compassionate in their approach. I have observed that they work long hours, demonstrating considerable dedication to their role. I am satisfied with the care I am receiving.

Thorough diagnosis and rapid appointment access impressed

This practice represents the finest I have encountered since relocating from a West Sussex surgery over a decade ago. That previous practice operated an on-site pharmacy whose revenue was reinvested into patient care and staff wellbeing. A Northwood-based surgery previously overlooked the underlying cause of my wife's neck discomfort across multiple visits until an independent healthcare practitioner abroad recommended imaging to investigate the issue, which subsequently revealed a serious diagnosis. By contrast, this practice demonstrates exceptional diligence in diagnostic assessment and provides notably faster appointment availability compared to typical NHS surgeries, offering a comprehensive range of consultation methods including secure messaging, telephone consultations, and in-person visits. The practice is supported by skilled nursing staff specialising in respiratory and metabolic conditions, alongside other specialist nurse-led clinics. They work collaboratively with nearby pharmacies that generally deliver reliable service, and have access to proficient phlebotomy facilities locally. I would welcome the opportunity for this practice to operate its own pharmacy, as the additional revenue could further strengthen patient services and allow staff to benefit from reduced working hours. Recently, I discovered during the evening that I would soon exhaust my supply of two medications that were not included on my routine prescription list. I submitted a secure message to my usual healthcare provider. By early morning, I received a response indicating that my regular provider was unavailable and that a senior clinician had authorised the requested medications. This demonstrated remarkable responsiveness and commitment to patient care.

Receptionists went out of their way to help

I find the staff here to be extremely helpful, courteous and welcoming. The reception team and administrative staff are always pleasant to interact with and they appear to make a genuine effort to assist. Thank you all.

Staff were polite and genuinely helpful

The staff members are courteous and maintain a professional demeanor. One particular clinician in particular demonstrates exceptional dedication to providing assistance and support to patients.

Thorough care and genuine listening approach

The clinician demonstrated a thorough and comprehensive approach to the consultation. They displayed excellent interpersonal skills and a welcoming manner. While previous contact had been conducted remotely, it was beneficial to have an in-person appointment and to express appreciation for the attentive and considerate care provided to the whole family.

Quick response and efficient appointment booking

Outstanding care with prompt attention and effective service delivery. Highly gratifying experience.

Prompt and efficient care throughout the year

Excellent service from this practice. Over the past year I have experienced several health concerns which have been addressed with great promptness and efficiency. I have nothing but praise for the entire team.

Competent staff who actually listened to me

I found the surgery staff to be highly capable and my appointment with the clinician was positive, with a sympathetic approach to listening and swift, effective handling of my concerns.

Proactive approach made me feel heard

A clinician at the practice was proactive in arranging an appointment to discuss my health concerns and suggested a helpful way to proceed. I feel very fortunate that my family has received such excellent care from the practice over many years.

Friendly nurse put me at ease quickly

The nursing staff member was very approachable, struck a good balance between being conversational and professional, helped me feel comfortable, and worked with impressive efficiency without making me feel hurried.

Impressed with the practice's processes and responses

Recently registered with this practice and have been pleased with how things are organised and how inquiries are handled.

Friendly reception made the visit straightforward

Wonderful surgery with outstanding healthcare professionals, I would definitely suggest to others!

Thorough consultation and no waiting around

I was seen at my scheduled time and the healthcare professional conducted a comprehensive review of my symptoms.

Felt listened to and respected throughout

Excellent service provided. The approach demonstrated was genuinely focused on the patient, with my preferences and views being carefully considered and incorporated into the care received.

Prompt care and felt truly listened to

Excellent and extremely prompt care received from the medical professional I consulted.

Easy booking and quick test feedback

I recently became a patient at this practice and have found my experience to be very positive overall. From the straightforward process of arranging appointments to the timely communication regarding investigations and results, all aspects have been excellent. I would strongly recommend this practice to others.

Courteous and professional reception staff

Outstanding. Extremely polite and professional service of the highest standard.

Kind team made me feel heard

Excellent surgery with a compassionate and dedicated staff!

Receptionists made patients feel genuinely valued

I had the privilege of completing a four-week placement as a final-year medical student at this practice. It became immediately apparent that all staff members, whether clinical professionals, reception staff, or administrative personnel, demonstrate genuine commitment to patient wellbeing. Throughout my time there, patients expressed their satisfaction with the ongoing care they have received, highlighting the team's competence and compassionate approach. I was told I was gaining experience from exemplary practitioners. The learning environment was notably welcoming and uplifting.