The Central Surgery Barton

Long wait before being taken seriously

This surgery fell short of expectations. During a recent appointment, I was told I had a viral infection despite experiencing symptoms that seemed more serious. I was advised to take over-the-counter pain relief and sent home. I remained in significant discomfort throughout the weekend. On the following day, I required emergency hospital admission for a serious cardiac event. This outcome has left me feeling the initial assessment was inadequate.

Inconsistent advice from different doctors here

I found it frustrating to receive inconsistent advice from different clinicians. It's been difficult to secure appointments with the doctor, and I was surprised to be referred to the pharmacy for what I expected to be handled at the practice.

Phone queues improved with online appointment option

Getting through by telephone to arrange appointments has been frustrating, with lengthy hold times even when calling at opening time. The practice appears disorganised, and coordination between departments seems inconsistent. There appears to be a shift in how clinical responsibilities are distributed across the team. The support staff who handle these duties are nonetheless very capable and responsive. The practice could benefit from additional options to improve efficiency. Two years on, the situation has improved considerably. Online booking options have made scheduling easier and reduced telephone congestion. Obtaining an appointment with a doctor remains occasionally difficult, but the expanded use of clinical practitioners has been a positive development.

Impossible to get urgent appointments here

Steer clear of this practice! I recently registered here after relocating to the area. Given that I manage an ongoing health condition, having reliable medical support is crucial for me. Unfortunately, obtaining an appointment with a clinician is extremely difficult, even in urgent situations. The pharmacy staff member I encountered appeared to believe that most health issues can be resolved through lifestyle changes and mindset adjustments alone. If you have the option to register elsewhere, I would strongly recommend doing so.

Dismissive approach led to months of wrong diagnoses

The healthcare provider came across as dismissive during my visit. I experienced a prolonged period of discomfort with a skin concern that wasn't properly identified on multiple occasions, which resulted in sleep disruption and considerable expense on various treatment options. I've now been referred to a specialist, which feels like it should have occurred much earlier in the process. Given the anticipated waiting time for specialist care, I've decided to pursue a private treatment option at significant cost instead.

Booking system failures and unhelpful reception staff

I had an appointment and was treated with respect and consideration, receiving a diagnosis related to a urological condition. I was advised to have a blood test and instructed to book a follow-up appointment once the results were available. This is when I encountered significant difficulties with the administrative staff. After attempting to use the online booking system without success, repeatedly receiving verification codes that failed to work, I telephoned reception and was redirected to complete an online form on my phone. This circular process resulted in no appointment being made. Frustrated by this experience, I attended the surgery in person and requested a follow-up appointment. The receptionist initially resisted, but when I explained that I had been specifically instructed by the clinician to return, I believed the matter was resolved. I was mistaken. Approximately twenty minutes after arriving home, I received a phone call asking me to provide a urine sample for testing, despite having provided one just four days prior. I was also asked to complete a survey to help determine my condition, which seemed to indicate that my medical records had not been reviewed. Shortly after, I received a text message with a survey form that I had already completed at my initial appointment. All I required was a straightforward follow-up appointment to discuss medication options, yet instead I encountered bureaucratic obstacles and administrative failures. The online booking system appears non-functional, and the support staff demonstrated a lack of competence and poor service. While the clinician provided an exemplary consultation, they are clearly undermined by the inadequate performance and unhelpful approach of the administrative team. I expected healthcare work to be driven by a commitment to patient care, not by indifference.

Couldn't get medication help over the phone

Contacted the practice today seeking assistance with a medication matter but did not receive the support needed. Left to manage the situation independently. Frustrated by having to handle matters that feel like they should be the responsibility of the practice. Very disappointing experience.

Removed from system without explanation or notice

I have been a long-term resident of the area since 1991, with only a brief period living elsewhere during that time. I have consistently attended the local surgery throughout my residency. When I contacted the practice today to request a repeat prescription, I was told that my records had been removed from their system despite my address remaining unchanged. I was advised that if I reapplied through their online portal, they would be able to restore my details within a couple of days.

Staff were helpful and genuinely friendly

I have consistently found the team to be very supportive and approachable.

Communication failures left complaints unaddressed

The practice demonstrated inadequate communication with patients, and concerns raised were not properly addressed.

Receptionists dismissive and appointments nearly impossible to get

This practice falls significantly short of expectations. The reception staff came across as dismissive, and the clinical team displayed similar attitudes. Despite the difficulty in securing appointments through standard channels, the premises appeared to have considerable capacity when visiting. The decision to redirect booking inquiries to alternative services seems counterproductive and places additional burden on the wider healthcare system. The overall experience was deeply disappointing.

Quick appointments and genuinely helpful reception staff

I recently relocated to the area and have been impressed by how promptly I've been able to get appointments. The reception team have been consistently supportive and maintain a positive, friendly atmosphere throughout the practice. There's a genuine sense that nothing is considered inconvenient. The staff come across as approachable and relatable, engaging in a straightforward manner without any sense of formality or condescension.

Reception dismissed my concerns too quickly

The NHS could do better in ensuring that healthcare professionals demonstrate genuine concern for their patients. Surely the role is to help people improve their health? It feels like when someone isn't in a critical condition, they get dismissed and forgotten about rather than receiving proper ongoing support. This approach is disappointing.

Reception staff could hear confidential conversations

I felt let down by my experience at this practice. Following a dental procedure, my son experienced significant discomfort and developed a fever. When we sought assistance, we were directed to contact emergency dental services or an urgent care facility rather than receiving support directly from the practice. This left me feeling that the surgery was unwilling to provide the necessary care. I also have concerns about privacy arrangements at the reception area. The setup appears to allow receptionists to overhear conversations between patients and clinical staff, which raises questions about patient confidentiality and data protection. Overall, I was disappointed with the level of care provided and feel the practice could improve their approach to patient support.

Quick online booking and prompt callback system

I attended my initial appointment at the practice today. The booking process was straightforward and efficient. I completed an online form to request an appointment in the morning and received a callback offering a slot a couple of hours later. I was seen by an advanced nurse practitioner whose approach and professionalism left me very satisfied.

Unhelpful phone advice and dismissive attitude

The telephone consultation was disappointing due to an unfriendly approach and uncomfortable pauses during the conversation. The staff member seemed eager to end the call rather than provide attentive support.

Online booking system creates unnecessary barriers

The surgery experience feels frustrating, much like many other places. It essentially requires being unwell early in the morning, completing an online form at half past seven, and then having your case reviewed by a nurse. When I request to see a specific type of clinician, the expectation seems to be that anyone unable to follow this process should have access to transport or funds for travel to alternative locations, as the local facility is operating at full capacity.

Phone booking system needs rethinking

The Central surgery employs some highly skilled staff members and delivers good quality care. The local population continues to grow, which means demand for appointments now exceeds the number of available slots. My longest wait time on the telephone was over two hours. The phone booking system could be more efficient and would benefit from some creative problem-solving approaches. While this situation is frustrating, the solution should involve exploring new systems that work for everyone involved, with agreement from the practice team, management, and patients.

Phone line staff were genuinely helpful and cheerful

I called this morning after experiencing difficulties with the NHS App. The staff member I spoke with was extremely helpful and displayed a cheerful demeanor, readily assisting me with my query.

Couldn't get help despite chasing them myself

When healthcare professionals are unable to fulfil their responsibilities effectively and you find yourself making calls on their behalf for an extended period, only to have a request for medication support subsequently declined, it becomes incredibly frustrating. This practice has left me feeling let down by the service provided.