Thorns Road Surgery

Painful wait for a dismissive doctor

I've been a patient at this medical practice since birth (50 years), initially with Dr Patel and Mr Shah who were always incredibly accommodating. Now, getting an appointment is incredibly challenging. Recently, I needed to see a doctor with yellow, swollen tonsils and was struggling to breathe, but the female doctor criticized me for supposedly wasting her time with a "mere" sore throat! I subsequently consulted another female doctor who was much more compassionate. The receptionists have been a mixed experience - some can be quite abrupt and unhelpful, even refusing to book female screening appointments. However, I did speak with a different receptionist who was friendly and ultimately helped me secure an appointment.

Mixed feelings about long-time family surgery

I'm hesitant to give a single star since I haven't consulted all the physicians. I've been a patient at this practice since childhood, and back then, Dr. Patel and Dr. Shah were exceptional - always available when needed. However, times have changed. The female doctor I recently saw was dismissive, rolling her eyes as if I were wasting her time (despite this being my first visit in seven years). When I called to schedule my free NHS check-up, the receptionist was courteous but informed me that the doctor works neither weekends nor Tuesdays and Thursdays. My only available slot without disrupting work was seven months away! It's disheartening to see a once-outstanding surgery deteriorate like this. Reluctantly, I'll be seeking a new practice where physicians seem more concerned with patient care than their luxury vehicles. At least the receptionist remained pleasant... Update: I've added a star because the surgery contacted me and offered a more convenient appointment date (possibly due to additional staffing). The nurse was friendly, and the consultation went smoothly. Hopefully, this indicates a return to their previous standard of care. And yes, the receptionist was still polite...

Waited Hours for No Help

Subpar customer support. Unresponsive. Delayed communication.

Shocking treatment and disregard of patients

I’ve only had to get an appointment twice in the last three years and both seem to be the only option of a phone. The GP was terribly disrespectful, acted like I wasted her time and started making accusations I had mental problems for a sleep disorder that was getting worse. Second time I had a useless physicians associate; had not bothered reading my notes despite my having a skin condition for 26 years and having been referred to a consultant dermatologist in 2014. Acted like she could be the only one who could diagnose me on the phone, said I could buy things over the counter for a chronic condition! Did not know what to prescribe anyway, had to ask the Go and phone back - she did not phone back and closed the query. Then they had the cheek to ask for feedback! I gave a poor feedback and guess what, no response from the surgery. That says it all. The only reason you can get a telephone appointment for this surgery is no one phones anymore because they know nothing will be done. Just look at the reviews on other sites. Avoid. Needs a CQC inspection. The CQC reviews appear to be at the time the old GP left and not this new rude one. She’s rude to everyone including my elderly mum.

Terrible Doctor Left My Family in Tears

This is hands-down the most disappointing medical practice I've ever dealt with, from top to bottom. The entire team, including the practice manager, staff, and most doctors, demonstrate a shocking lack of compassion. Reception staff are unhelpful and dismissive, while the practice manager deflects responsibility and consistently blames patients. Although one physician seems competent, another doctor is particularly terrible - extremely impatient and communicatively inept, causing significant distress to my wife and son, who were both left in tears during their consultation. I cannot stress enough how strongly I recommend steering clear of this practice!

Friendly Staff Made All the Difference

I recently became a patient at this medical practice and I can confidently say it's the most exceptional GP surgery I've encountered. Scheduling appointments has been completely seamless. The entire team is incredibly supportive and accommodating.

Unhelpful doctors at local surgery

My encounter with Thorns Road Surgery was utterly dismaying. I consulted two separate general practitioners who appeared completely indifferent to my medical concerns, showing zero engagement with my health problem. I'm left feeling entirely dismissed and condescended to. While the nursing team and front desk staff are wonderfully pleasant, the doctors themselves seem overwhelmed and fundamentally disconnected from patient care.

Impossible to See a Doctor Here

This medical practice is absolutely terrible. Scheduling an appointment is impossible, and their communication is nonexistent. They completely disregard mental health concerns and seem indifferent to patient needs. I've never even had an in-person consultation with my doctor - it's always rushed phone calls, and even those are difficult to secure. Whenever I try to book a slot, I'm invariably told "no appointments today." This entire surgery is a complete mockery of healthcare.

Quick Fix at the Shop

Excellent service from start to finish - everything was resolved quickly and smoothly. The staff were incredibly supportive and made the whole process effortless.

Terrible experience with staff and communication

Completely advise against this place - a series of problems with administrative personnel and the physician ultimately resulted in switching medical providers. Extremely subpar communication, unprofessional demeanor, and frustratingly slow responsiveness. (The sole redeeming factor is the nursing staff)

Terrible Service and Rude Staff at This Practice

1 Star feels overly charitable for this utterly unacceptable medical practice. The reception team demonstrates consistent incompetence, repeatedly mishandling interactions with both myself and my partner during our time here. My limited encounters with their physicians have been equally disappointing. During my first consultation regarding repeat prescriptions, I was erroneously told I had misunderstood my long-standing medication regimen, and was subsequently patronized and made to feel like an inconvenience. In another consultation for an adoption medical assessment, the doctor spent nearly 20 minutes complaining about workplace stress and claiming these medical tasks were trivial. As a result, I have transferred to a different surgery and strongly advise others to do the same.

Quick and Caring Medical Support

During this challenging period, securing swift telephone consultations is a relief. The front desk staff consistently demonstrate warmth and help patients feel comfortable. Overall, a solid medical practice.

Worst Medical Care I've Ever Received

The medical staff at this facility consistently display a condescending and disrespectful attitude. Each interaction I've had with them has been deeply frustrating and emotionally distressing.

Wendy Saved Us from Prescription Chaos

What an exceptional experience at Thorns Road Surgery today. We encountered a critical issue when our NHS smart cards were unexpectedly blocked, preventing us from accessing patient prescriptions. After unsuccessfully contacting multiple medical practices and attempting alternative pharmacy locations, a wonderfully helpful staff member named Wendy, along with their practice manager, went above and beyond to resolve our smart card problem right there on site. Their proactive assistance potentially saved us from a significant operational challenge, and we are incredibly grateful for their outstanding support and professionalism. Exceptional front desk team and leadership!!!!

Frustrating experience with Dr. Sanikop's practice

Scheduling a consultation proved challenging, and I was compelled to file a formal grievance regarding Dr. Sanikop. After extensively researching alternative medical practices, I've been unable to locate any with favorable feedback. Seeking guidance and resolution.

Awful Care, Except for Nurse Hannah

Zero stars would be too generous. The surgical experience was utterly dreadful, compounded by incredibly unhelpful front desk staff. The sole redeeming quality of this medical practice is Hannah, the nurse. I'm eagerly anticipating my departure and switching to another healthcare provider.

Professional and Caring Staff at Clinic

Every interaction with the staff and Dr. Sanikop is met with genuine courtesy and professionalism, making me feel valued and well-cared for during my visits.

Doctor rushed me during my appointment

Zero compassion whatsoever. Completely unwilling to hear me out. The physician claimed she was pressed for time and had an upcoming meeting (despite me arriving punctually for my scheduled slot). It's no surprise individuals struggle with psychological well-being when their own medical professional refuses to pay attention. I'm eagerly anticipating switching healthcare providers.

A Warm Welcome When I Needed Help

Warm, caring, and personable staff who went out of their way to help

Thorns Road Surgery: Caring Doctors and Staff

We've been loyal patients at Thorns Road Surgery for a long time! It was wonderful with the previous staff, especially Linda and Lisa, who are truly missed. However, the current reception team is also excellent. Dr. Nair is an absolutely fantastic physician!!!! They should definitely continue their outstanding service.