The Ridge Medical Practice

Efficient appointment with reassuring care

Prompt and well-organised, yet comprehensive in approach. The front desk team were friendly and welcoming, and the clinician was warm and provided great reassurance.

Reception staff made the appointment process pleasant

I was referred to the Community Based Dermatology Service following a consultation with my GP regarding a noticeable mark on my hand. I was seen by a clinician who recommended a topical treatment to be used over a four-week period, with a follow-up appointment scheduled for three months later. The entire team at the clinic was exceptionally welcoming and courteous. The reception staff member who assisted with check-in was particularly helpful, and the clinician I saw demonstrated genuine care and professionalism throughout the appointment. The mark on my hand has since resolved completely, and I am very satisfied with the standard of care I received. I am grateful for the service provided.

Finally got answers after a year of waiting

I experienced a skin concern that persisted for over a year, during which I consulted multiple healthcare providers without receiving satisfactory assistance or understanding. Previous consultations concluded that my issue was age-related, but one particular clinician at the practice was able to help resolve my problem within a week. I found this healthcare professional to be very knowledgeable and appreciated their effective approach to my care.

Welcoming nurse made blood test straightforward

Had blood tests carried out by a member of the nursing staff who was exceptionally welcoming and pleasant. This staff member is a real asset to the practice.

Helpful nurse put me at ease

The nursing staff member was very supportive and helped me feel comfortable during my visit. I appreciate their assistance.

Felt listened to during blood test appointment

Attended an appointment for a blood test today and the healthcare professional who assisted me created a very pleasant experience.

Felt listened to and well explained

Extremely pleased with my experience. I received attentive care and found that everything was clearly communicated to me. The service was very well-organised throughout.

Blocked blood test after multiple frustrating visits

I attempted to arrange a straightforward blood test. Initially, an automated system responded followed by a text message indicating I did not meet the criteria for the procedure. A subsequent phone call proved unhelpful as I was unable to reach a person, forcing me to visit the practice in person. Upon arrival, I encountered a receptionist whose manner I found dismissive and unwilling to schedule either an appointment or blood test. Despite explaining my circumstances, mentioning my private healthcare coverage, and noting that my doctor had recommended the test due to potential health concerns, the receptionist refused to assist. I found this response deeply frustrating. Feeling exasperated, I stated that I would not leave without an appointment being booked—an unreasonable position, I acknowledge, but I felt at a loss for alternatives. The receptionist eventually scheduled an appointment, though it was set for two weeks ahead. When I attended this appointment and finally met with a clinician face to face, they declined to perform the test, citing procedural guidelines as the reason. They referred to it as a process. This was deeply troubling. The clinician then suggested I was being aggressive when I outlined my experience, responding by noting I had used 12 minutes of their time. In total, I made two phone calls without speaking to anyone, made one trip to the practice, then a second trip, and still have not received the blood test. I found this experience wholly unsatisfactory. I rarely require medical care, place minimal demand on services, and have contributed through taxation throughout my life, yet felt treated poorly. I had sought private healthcare to circumvent such issues, only to discover that blood tests require NHS involvement through a GP. The entire system has let me down, yet it appears no one is concerned. I feel like an invisible statistic, someone who never appeared on any patient record and therefore simply does not matter. The system appears to be failing patients. No one is receiving adequate care, receiving proper assessment, or achieving better health outcomes.

Staff took time to explain things clearly

The team were lovely and took time to explain things in a clear manner, which helped me feel at ease. I really appreciated this.

Straightforward appointment booking and friendly reception

Everything is satisfactory.

Clean environment with thorough explanations provided

The practice maintains a very clean and pleasant environment that is well-suited for procedures. The clinician was excellent and provided thorough explanations throughout the visit.

Phone system made booking an appointment impossible

I had a very frustrating experience attempting to book an appointment at this practice. When I called, I encountered an automated system that took considerable time to navigate, and although I was told an appointment would be arranged, nothing materialised. I then tried booking online through the provided link but found no available slots. My follow-up call the next morning was unsuccessful, with the automated system appearing again. When I eventually reached someone by emphasising the urgency of my situation, I was placed on hold for an extended period without any updates, and the call subsequently disconnected. The entire process felt unnecessarily complicated and time-consuming, particularly when juggling other commitments like getting children to school and work. The appointment booking system appears to require significant improvement, and it might be beneficial for those involved in its design to experience the process firsthand to understand the practical difficulties users face.

Felt listened to and well informed

Extremely useful and provided excellent guidance.

Nurse provided attentive and thorough care

Received excellent care from the nursing staff member I saw.

Helpful reception staff put me at ease

The healthcare professional I saw was lovely, really helpful and knowledgeable and put me at ease.

Helpful consultation, waiting for next steps

The healthcare professional was quite supportive during my visit, and I am now awaiting my follow-up appointment to see what the next steps will be.

Reception staff dismissive of patient concerns

What a disappointing experience with the practice. Being blocked on social media simply for having a different viewpoint was quite frustrating.

Appointment ran on time and felt thorough

Very impressed with The Ridge this morning. The appointment ran on schedule and the clinician demonstrated both thoroughness and clear communication. Well done to the team. 👍

Felt genuinely listened to and taken seriously

Appeared to take my concerns seriously and gave them proper consideration.

Long phone waits and unfriendly reception staff

This practice has provided a disappointing experience. The phone lines were difficult to get through, with extended waiting times before reaching reception. The staff interaction was unwelcoming and unhelpful, which detracted significantly from the overall service quality.