The Oaks Medical Centre

Couldn't get an appointment when needed

It appears that securing an appointment has been difficult, and this lack of availability has negatively impacted my health situation. The challenges in booking appointments have made me consider alternative options such as walk-in centres or emergency services instead.

New doctors helpful but practice understaffed

The experience several years ago was deeply concerning and caused considerable worry for our family over an extended period. The previous clinician involved is no longer at the practice. The current team of doctors demonstrate good, modern approaches to treatment, though they appear to be managing a very high patient load. The practice would benefit from additional staffing to better support the existing doctors.

Couldn't get through on the phone line

Attempted to contact the practice multiple times from early morning without success, as calls were not being answered.

Phone lines always answered when calling

I have been attending this practice for a decade and have consistently had positive experiences throughout my time as a patient. The clinical staff, nursing team, and reception staff have always treated me with warmth and professionalism. I have never experienced difficulties when calling to arrange appointments. I find some of the negative feedback posted elsewhere quite surprising, as my own interactions have been entirely satisfactory. I would encourage the practice to continue delivering the standard of care I have come to expect, as their efforts are genuinely valued.

Impossible to get an appointment here

The experience at this practice was extremely disappointing. I would not recommend spending your time trying to access care here. Obtaining an appointment and seeing a clinician proved to be significantly more difficult than it should have been. Despite being registered for three years, I was consistently unable to secure appointments. There were frequent explanations given for unavailability. I have since switched to a different practice and am much more satisfied with the care I now receive.

Frustrated by phone-only appointments and new charges

I have been experiencing a persistent cough for several months and manage an ongoing respiratory condition. I was disappointed to find that only remote consultations appear to be available for booking. Upon attempting to schedule an appointment online, I noticed the practice now appears to charge for certain treatments, which was unexpected. Currently, no appointments seem to be available through the standard booking system. My most recent consultation was with a private healthcare provider, who indicated they operate outside the NHS framework. While I am willing to pursue private care, I would expect this to be reflected in my national insurance contributions.

Struggling to reach the practice by phone

I have attempted to contact the practice multiple times by telephone. Each time I have waited in the phone queue for a considerable period, only to be told I am second in line, after which the call rings through repeatedly without anyone picking up. This has made it impossible to resolve my issue over the phone, so I plan to visit in person to request what I need. I also tried using the online system but encountered technical difficulties there as well.

Receptionists blocking access to care

The receptionists seem to be making clinical decisions these days. I was directed to visit a different location across town, which didn't make sense given that I live locally and there's a surgery much closer to me. This was frustrating.

Difficult to book appointments and long phone waits

This practice has serious issues. I have been attending since childhood and have noticed a significant decline over many years. I witnessed what appeared to be an aggressive interaction between a clinician and an elderly patient in the reception area, which left the patient visibly upset. Reception staff did not intervene to support the patient, and it was another patient who offered assistance. I have also had concerning experiences with my own care, where I was made to feel my attendance was inappropriate, only to later discover I required surgical intervention. Another clinician removed my mother from medication that had been prescribed by a specialist without offering an alternative or seeking guidance from the original prescriber, stating simply that they did not want her on it. The neurology specialist later questioned why the medication had been discontinued. The nursing staff appear to operate independently of clinical guidance and resist requests for investigations. The reception team's conduct is particularly problematic. They frequently display rudeness and an unhelpful attitude when dealing with patients. I have received incorrect information from reception staff, and when I questioned this, the response became hostile and abusive. Obtaining an appointment is extremely difficult. When I have called requesting an appointment within a week, I have been told the earliest available is months away, with the alternative of calling on the day. Calling on the day results in lengthy waits of 40 to 70 minutes to reach someone, and sometimes calls are disconnected. It is difficult to understand how this practice achieved a satisfactory inspection outcome. Patient feedback should be more thoroughly investigated.

Receptionist refused to help with sick note request

I have been attempting to obtain a letter and sick note for three days. During this time, the reception staff provided inconsistent responses, sometimes stating that sick notes are not issued and other times suggesting I book a doctor's appointment. I am uncertain where else to seek this documentation if my GP practice cannot provide it. Additionally, I was informed that I had been contacted, though I did not receive any such call. I found the overall experience frustrating and felt the service lacked organisation and courtesy.

Receptionists went the extra mile for me

I cannot fault this practice as the receptionists are fantastic, always showing genuine care and making a real effort to help. Thank you so much. The clinical staff have also been amazing and provided excellent support throughout my care. I am very grateful for all the assistance I have received.

Friendly reception made the visit pleasant

Excellent practice, would certainly suggest to others.

Struggling to reach the practice by phone

Experiencing lengthy wait times when calling and struggling to secure appointment slots has been frustrating.

Impossible to book an appointment by phone

Attempting to call at 8am resulted in being unable to join the appointment queue at all. While the clinical staff are excellent, securing an appointment through either telephone or face-to-face consultation proved impossible.

Helpful and polite reception staff made the difference

Exceptional service provided throughout my visit. If it were possible to award more than five stars, I certainly would. The team demonstrated consistent helpfulness and maintained a courteous manner at all times. Everyone involved deserves recognition for their dedication to the NHS.

Reception attitude let down otherwise good

The clinical staff are all excellent, and some of the reception team members can come across as a bit self-important, though fortunately these individuals are few and represent only a small portion of the practice.

Confusing test results and impossible to reach appointments

Attempted to secure an appointment over several consecutive days for my young child who was experiencing discomfort during urination. I was eventually advised to provide a water sample for a dip test, with the understanding that a clinician would contact me later that day with results and any necessary medication. When I submitted the sample through a family member, staff indicated it would be processed and resolved the same day. I waited for a call but eventually had to ring back myself. I was then informed the test had been completed and forwarded to the laboratory. The receptionist mentioned that something had been identified on the initial dip test and I would need to await further information about medication. Three days later, I called again and was told all results came back normal, which contradicted what I had been told about findings on the dip test. This inconsistency was frustrating and left me uncertain about the accuracy of the information being provided. Additionally, my child continued to experience pain, and I was told I would need to see a clinician. However, attempting to book an appointment by phone proved difficult, with lengthy hold times of around 40 minutes followed by being informed no slots were available. The appointment system has consistently been problematic and not simply a recent issue. I felt the service fell short compared to alternatives where I have had better experiences without similar delays or confusion.

Impossible to reach by phone this morning

Attempted to contact the surgery multiple times from early morning without success, encountering only an engaged tone. When calls do connect, all available appointments are already booked, and there is no option to secure a slot or be informed of any cancellations. Upon attending in person, consultations are very brief. Obtaining repeat medications requires a doctor's appointment, which feels unnecessary for minor ailments that could be managed with over-the-counter remedies. Was directed by reception staff to attend an alternative walk-in centre instead, though this suggestion does not account for the difficulty in accessing care when needed.

Couldn't get appointment for urgent baby visit

This practice feels inadequate. I called early this morning to request an appointment and was informed that none were available, which seems to be the standard response. Personally, I find this frustrating as I feel my concerns are dismissed with a standard prescription. However, for my infant grandchild, this level of service is simply not acceptable. A baby of that age deserves better care than this.

Quick appointments and friendly staff

The practice staff were approachable and pleasant, and I was able to secure an appointment without excessive waiting time.