The Oaks Medical Centre

Friendly reception staff made booking straightforward

This is the finest medical practice I have ever attended. I have no complaints whatsoever. I would strongly encourage others to use their services.

Reception staff were dismissive and unhelpful

Zero star. The reception team demonstrated a lack of professionalism and appeared to lack adequate training for their role.

Struggling to book appointments when needed

It is difficult to obtain an appointment at times when one requires medical attention.

Easy to get appointments when you call

On most occasions when I call, I am usually able to secure the appointment slot I am looking for.

Booking appointments months ahead feels impossible

Called today seeking an appointment for either today or tomorrow. The earliest available slot that could be booked was several weeks away, which felt frustrating. I was advised to call at 8am the following morning to attempt booking a same-day appointment. When I mentioned that I work and wouldn't be able to make that call, this didn't change the outcome. It seems that working individuals struggle to access timely appointments. The practice might consider either limiting new patient registrations, extending opening hours to include evenings and weekends, or recruiting additional clinical staff. Many patients simply cannot take time off work to phone during standard business hours.

Long phone queues and cancelled appointments frustrating

I had a frustrating experience when I called for my appointment. After waiting some time on the phone to get through, I was informed that my scheduled appointment had been cancelled due to staff absence. This was particularly disappointing as I had been waiting several weeks for this appointment to take place.

Reception dismissed visible symptoms without seeing doctor

This facility has been a frustrating experience for me. I rarely manage to book appointments due to my early morning work schedule, so I've had to depend on cancellation slots that become available after I finish work, which is seldom possible. This means I typically have to wait until I have time off and attend the walk-in centre instead. I live nearby so I came in today as I felt I needed medical attention. The receptionist began questioning me about my symptoms and whether it was an emergency, though if it truly were one I would obviously be going to A&E. I had a visible rash developing on my chest and neck while speaking with her, yet she suggested I obtain a spray from the pharmacy. My throat was also swollen and painful, but she seemed confident in her assessment and advised me to ring the following morning. However, given that I start work at 6am, this isn't feasible for me and I'll need to return to the walk-in centre once again. After attempting to use this practice for an extended period, the experience has progressively deteriorated. I feel undervalued and unwelcome here. I've decided to change practices because I deserve to feel at ease with my healthcare provider, and unfortunately that's not the case currently. The staff generally give the impression of indifference, which is concerning to me.

Struggled to get appointments and felt dismissed

The medical professionals at this practice seem reluctant to engage properly with patients, and obtaining an appointment is quite difficult. When you do manage to see someone, the consultation can feel superficial. Throughout my years as a patient here, I have frequently required hospital care following visits. I have found the service to be ineffective.

Reception staff helpful with appointment booking

I consistently manage to secure appointments at this practice. The entire team, spanning from front desk personnel through to clinical staff, demonstrate excellent service and consistently show a willingness to assist. The practice is a credit to the NHS.

Phone reception was incredibly rude and dismissive

I recently attempted to contact the surgery and found the interaction quite disappointing. The staff member's tone was rather abrupt, and whilst I understand it may have been towards the end of their working day, I felt the level of courtesy fell short of what I would expect. I was simply asking about the process for rejoining the practice following my return to the area. I would have hoped that the clinical lead would have been made aware of how the call was handled, as I believe it would not have reflected the standards they would wish to uphold.

Helpful staff made me feel genuinely supported

The staff here are genuinely helpful and I've had an excellent experience with one particular clinician who has been absolutely fantastic. Over the past several years, they've made a tremendous difference to my wellbeing and have supported me comprehensively throughout my recovery journey. If I could rate them higher than five stars, I absolutely would! The entire team and surgery are wonderful all round.

Hard to reach and prescription service let him down

My partner struggles to secure appointments at this practice. The booking system requires calling on the day, and even then availability seems extremely limited. When he does need medical care, it feels isolating to be unable to access support when it's needed most. During a recent call, the receptionist's manner came across as dismissive, and when he expressed reluctance to discuss private health matters with someone whose name he didn't know, this wasn't well received. He also attempted to use the online prescription service to manage a hectic schedule. After submitting a request through the system a week prior, he attended to collect the medication today only to find it hadn't been prepared. He was asked to wait, but due to time constraints, he had to leave without it. The purpose of ordering ahead and collecting conveniently seemed to be defeated. Having been a patient for some time, he's noticed no improvement in the service. There appears to be a perception that those over retirement age or not in employment have better access to appointments. He's decided to register with a different practice.

Receptionists made booking appointments straightforward and easy

The reception and administrative team have consistently demonstrated friendliness and professionalism. I have typically been able to secure appointments at times that suit me. The clinical nursing staff provide excellent care, particularly when carrying out routine procedures. All the healthcare professionals I have consulted with have been reassuring and well-informed. I have been a patient at this practice for many decades, having attended various locations throughout my time as a patient. I have remained with the practice through several relocations and continue to receive care at the current premises.

Easy to book appointments with friendly reception

The reception team consistently provides a warm welcome, and scheduling appointments is straightforward and accessible.

Hard to book appointments as a younger patient

It is difficult to secure an appointment unless you are in the older age group. The reception team was unhelpful and unwelcoming. Many of the doctors appear to be unavailable at the same time. People from all backgrounds deserve access to care.

Phone advice was helpful and appointments came through

Absolutely wonderful experience. The team here is excellent and consistently provides outstanding support. Whenever I contact the practice, I receive helpful guidance and can secure appointments without difficulty. I cannot commend you highly enough. You are a true asset to the NHS.