The Castle Practice

Staying Calm During Challenging Times

Given the current circumstances, I believe they are top-notch professionals. While I'm unable to secure an appointment right now, my condition isn't critical, so we all must exercise patience... and yes, pun intended.

Rude Doctor Made Me Feel Awful

The doctor's approach was extremely unprofessional and hostile. His communication style felt like a personal assault when discussing medical issues. I was completely dissatisfied with this general practitioner's conduct. I will absolutely not return to see this physician under any circumstances!!!

Endless Phone Wait for a Simple Appointment

Scheduling an appointment here is incredibly challenging! Their phone line is perpetually busy, and I've wasted countless minutes waiting with no answer. Prescription refills are consistently delayed. The whole experience is so stressful that it genuinely heightens my anxiety about seeking medical care.

Not Worth My Time

Alright

Frustrating wait times at this clinic

Impossible to schedule a consultation through any available channel, whether by telephone or digital platform

Rude Receptionists Ruin This Clinic's Vibe

Most doctors are competent, with a few exceptions. There are a couple of physicians I actively try to avoid due to their complete lack of empathy - it seems to be a family trait for one of them. I'd almost prefer the infamous Harold Shipman to these medical clowns. These doctors consistently fail to follow through on promised hospital referrals, and in my view, a proper diagnosis is impossible without a face-to-face examination, yet they arrogantly believe otherwise. The receptionists are incredibly discourteous, always probing about my medical issues, but I deliberately provide misleading information as I consider it none of their concern. They are supremely unhelpful and seem to fancy themselves as medical experts, forgetting they are essentially administrative workers. Telephone access is virtually impossible, creating an absolute communication nightmare. The nurses, in contrast, are wonderful and genuinely understand patient care. The receptionists could definitely learn from their professional approach. If the ineffective staff were replaced with fresh, competent faces at the reception desk, this would be a significantly improved medical practice.

Worst Medical Practice I've Ever Encountered

I'd rate this zero if the option existed. Scheduling an appointment via telephone is a futile exercise, with lines perpetually busy or simply unanswered, despite seemingly sufficient front desk staff. There's this one incredibly pompous doctor who recently received an MBE for supposed contributions to NHS, mental health care, and disability support (which is frankly laughable), yet chooses to withhold essential medication from a patient struggling with serious mental health challenges. The practice's conduct and professional approach are utterly disgraceful.

Frustrated with uncaring doctors downtown

I've been a patient at this medical practice for a while now, and I've experienced significant letdown on two separate occasions due to their subpar level of care. It appears that their primary focus is financial gain rather than addressing a patient's suffering. Unfortunately, I'm stuck here because no other doctor's lists are accepting new patients.

Clinic's Terrible Patient Care Frustrates Me

I'm desperate to understand the current focus of these medical professionals since the pandemic began, as they're clearly neglecting patient care. You're endlessly tethered to the phone, hearing nothing but excuses about unavailable appointments and being redirected to harass clinic staff. When you finally get through, you're confronted by a healthcare assistant whose sole recommendation is to undergo a PCR test. It's infuriating that not every medical issue revolves around COVID, and numerous patients are being completely overlooked and abandoned.

Endless Wait, No Resolution

Spent half an hour waiting on the phone, only to be informed I need to call back the next day because no appointment slots are open and booking ahead isn't possible!

Years of Trusted Care with Dr Chitnis

Over decades, I've been a loyal patient at the Castle Practice, first with Dr Chitnis and previously his father, and there's a compelling reason for this enduring relationship: unparalleled clinical expertise. Throughout the years, I've encountered numerous medical challenges, including critical heart surgeries and an urgent hip replacement necessitated by a violent incident. Throughout these experiences, the Practice has consistently demonstrated remarkable support, responding with speed, empathy, and utmost professionalism. I find myself genuinely shocked by other reviews alleging staff rudeness and ineffectiveness. In my extensive experience, I have never encountered such treatment. In fact, I would argue that patient expectations and personal attitudes might be more significant in shaping these critical reviews. Healthcare demands mutual engagement, and we cannot anticipate miraculous interventions without accepting personal accountability. I strongly suspect some reviewers fail to recognize their part in the healthcare partnership. The Castle Practice represents the pinnacle of medical excellence.

Impossible to Get an Appointment at Castle Practice

Terrible service. I've been attempting to secure a medical appointment for a month now. I've exhausted every possible avenue - phone, online booking, and even visiting the surgery in person - yet no appointment is available. The staff repeatedly direct me to their online system, but logging in reveals zero available slots. What's the purpose of being registered with a medical practice if you cannot obtain an appointment for weeks, potentially risking your health? A few doctors, particularly Dr Manyweathers and Dr Vilinkas, are genuinely compassionate and supportive, but Dr Chettnis is someone I would prefer never to consult again. I am seriously considering changing healthcare providers. Update 08/09/21 Regrettably, I have now departed from the Castle Practice. I could no longer endure the continuous inability to schedule an appointment for weeks on end. I am typically reluctant to seek medical attention, only doing so in extreme circumstances. However, when urgent medical care is genuinely needed, obtaining an appointment becomes impossible. You are perpetually told to retry, creating an endless cycle. The receptionists form an impenetrable barrier, making timely medical access seem futile. This situation is unacceptable. General Practitioners are compensated per registered patient and should therefore have a fundamental responsibility towards their patients' care. They must be held accountable for this duty. I will sincerely miss Doctors Manyweathers and Vilinkas, whose empathy and relatability were the primary reason for my prolonged association with this practice.

Doctors Great, Staff Terrible on Phone

The telephone support team is consistently unresponsive, with wait times stretching to half an hour during each call attempt. Moreover, the reception supervisor displays an appalling attitude, comes across as aggressive, demonstrates a complete disregard for patient welfare, and appears to harbor discriminatory views - she absolutely deserves to be terminated from her position! The sole redeeming aspect of this establishment is the exceptional quality of the medical practitioners, who are truly outstanding!!!

Prescription Nightmare at This Clinic

The leadership here is terrible. I've experienced an unacceptable number of issues with my ongoing prescription, all through no fault of my own. Their internal communication is pathetically poor. The lack of privacy is infuriating - being forced to announce personal medical details at a loud intercom in a cramped corridor with people queuing, simply because the staff can't effectively share information between themselves. They seem oblivious to the fact that patients have busy lives and can't constantly adjust to their disorganized system. Their consistent errors are mind-boggling. I desperately want to switch practices, but even that seems impossible. I'm completely exhausted by the constant problems, despite meticulously following every instruction I'm given. The real issue isn't even primarily with the doctors, but with the pharmacy. Their service is absolutely abysmal.

Impossible to Get a Doctor Appointment

Completely ineffective medical practice. I've spent months attempting to secure a doctor's appointment with no success, and getting through on the telephone is an exercise in frustration. It's abundantly clear they have zero concern for patient care, which led me to ultimately deregister from their service. The pharmacy team, in contrast, are consistently excellent and supportive... steer clear of this surgery if you have any regard for your wellbeing

Closed Doors and Frustrating Phone Calls

Since the pandemic began, this medical practice has become incredibly frustrating 🤦‍♀️ It's ironic that general practitioners are willing to provide mass vaccinations, yet our clinic has remained shut tight since March, offering only remote telephone consultations!! How convenient for them! 💰😡😡😡 We'll just have to wait and see what unfolds here!!!

Frustrating visit with unhelpful staff and stairs

Selecting this medical practice was undoubtedly the most regrettable decision since relocating to this area. I was initially swayed by the clinic's outward appearance, disregarding the existing critical feedback. One of the physicians consistently demonstrates an extremely unpleasant demeanor during our interactions, to such an extent that we've been compelled to request avoiding his consultations. Their website is frustratingly ambiguous and deceptive - I scheduled an appointment through their online system which cautioned against attending with COVID symptoms. Despite having a leg injury, I navigated the stairs since the elevator was non-functional, painfully queuing on the staircase, only to be informed I should return home as this was supposedly a telephone consultation... with zero prior communication about this detail. I then had to laboriously descend the stairs with my injured leg, returning home, and the physician never even called! My leg's discomfort was significantly exacerbated by their poorly designed staircase. Now I'm forced to unnecessarily occupy hospital staff's time for what is likely a simple prescription matter, while simultaneously risking potential COVID-19 exposure.

Friendly Staff at Castle Surgery

I am completely baffled by any claims of staff rudeness or lack of assistance... perhaps these individuals are mistakenly referencing a different medical practice. Having been a patient at Castle Surgery since well before their relocation to Castle Bromwich, I can confidently attest that I've never encountered any issues with the Doctors, Nurses, or reception staff. In fact, I'm genuinely proud to commend such an exceptionally professional team. To anyone considering making disparaging remarks about these wonderful staff members, I simply suggest: find another surgery. My heartfelt gratitude to everyone at Castle Surgery. Warmest regards, Mrs Maxine Fineschi

Helpful Team Makes Medical Visit Easy

Consistently welcoming personnel who are eager to assist. The service is impeccable, and I have no complaints. Keep maintaining this excellent standard of care.

Rude Receptionist Ignored My Call

I'd award no stars if possible and am astounded by the 2.2 rating, which seems undeservedly generous. The performance metrics are shockingly subpar, suggesting the management is either indifferent or oblivious to their shortcomings. The receptionist's blatant disregard for my request to have a doctor contact me was appalling. Her dismissive statement, "I'm going to disconnect the call and we are now closed," was the epitome of unprofessional conduct. I am actively seeking to transfer my mother's medical care to a practice that genuinely values patient care, demonstrates exceptional service, maintains high standards, and upholds professional integrity. Without hesitation, I strongly advise others to avoid this practice.