Village Medical Centre

Staff were polite and econsult responses came quickly

This is a wonderful practice. The team members have consistently demonstrated politeness, promptness and a supportive approach. The accessibility and way they communicate is noticeably improved compared to my experience at my previous surgery. I have made use of the online consultation service on several occasions and have been impressed by how quickly they respond. They arranged my medications through an electronic repeat dispensing system, which has made managing my prescriptions considerably more straightforward. I have been able to book appointments for routine blood work within a week of making contact, and frequently within a day, and they provide very early and very late appointment slots so I have not needed to request time away from work. They also provide the ability to access my medical records through a dedicated app. This is far more practical as I can review this to check the details of my test results rather than needing to phone to ask whether results are satisfactory, which appears beneficial for everyone involved. I have no worries regarding the standard of care I receive and it is comforting to know they are looking out for me should I require their support.

Repeat prescriptions need better organisation

I have been a patient at this practice for ten months and have experienced ongoing difficulties with the repeat prescription system. Rather than the prescriptions automatically renewing as they should, I have repeatedly needed to contact reception by phone to request them myself, which has required lengthy conversations with staff to resolve the issue. Additionally, I have found the appointment booking process to be frustrating.

Impossible to reach by phone or get responses

I have been attempting to secure an appointment for an extended period. Each time I contact the practice, I am advised to ring back on Monday, but when I do so, I am unable to reach anyone or join a queue. I decided to try the online consultation service as an alternative way to connect with my GP. I have used this method twice now. On the first occasion, my submission received no response whatsoever. The second time, I received a brief one-line email confirming that my online consultation had been forwarded to a GP, but I have not heard anything further since then. I feel this falls short of the standard of care I would expect, and I am disappointed with the overall experience and the apparent inefficiency of the service.

Reception staff were dismissive and unhelpful

Some healthcare professionals demonstrate genuine concern, while others appear less engaged in their approach.

Reception staff made appointments difficult to get

I have encountered instances of behaviour that felt dismissive and unwelcoming from multiple members of staff during my limited visits, whether attending for myself or accompanying relatives. Obtaining an appointment to see a clinician has proven quite difficult, and I believe this may be due to reception staff lacking the appropriate training to assess patient needs and determine whether a medical consultation is necessary. It is particularly disheartening to be unwell and experience such an unhelpful approach.

Friendly staff who actually listen to concerns

I have recently registered with this practice and have found the nursing and reception team to be genuinely friendly and well-informed. I have attended an appointment with a clinician as a new patient, and they took time to listen to my concerns and provided me with helpful guidance and information. So far, I am very satisfied with the standard of care I have received.

Efficient practice that actually listens

This is an outstanding medical practice. Efficient. Professional. Compassionate. Reassuring. Friendly. Easy to access. What more could you ask for! And conveniently located nearby too.

Phone lines impossible to get through on

I've been attempting to call for nineteen minutes without reaching anyone other than the initial recorded greeting, after which the line disconnected. I'm now making another attempt to contact the surgery to arrange an appointment for blood tests. This is occurring during what would normally be considered a quieter period at the practice. I have been a patient here for nearly thirty-eight years, and the service was previously of a high standard. Unfortunately, the quality has noticeably declined over recent years. My second call attempt has now been ongoing for ten minutes without being answered, meaning I have spent almost thirty minutes in total trying to get through. This is quite frustrating.

Couldn't reach practice or get prescriptions sorted

Unable to provide a higher rating as the overall service experience fell short of expectations. Difficulties were encountered when attempting to make contact with the practice, and subsequent interactions felt dismissive. Additionally, there were significant issues with the repeat prescription process, resulting in prescriptions not being received as expected.

Rushed appointments with little time to listen

The medical staff seem reluctant to engage with patients' concerns during consultations, and appointments often feel rushed with little time spent addressing issues.

Phone queues make booking nearly impossible

It is extremely difficult to reach this practice by telephone, and the wait times for getting through to book an appointment are unreasonably long.

Long wait for promised telephone callback

Called requesting a telephone consultation early in the morning and received no response. Called again in the afternoon without success. Called once more later in the day and was assured by reception that the clinician would return the call promptly, but am still awaiting contact.

Phone lines impossible to get through on

Is it possible to actually reach someone by phone? The service provided fell short of expectations for my elderly relative. Getting through to speak with someone, let alone securing an appointment, proved extremely difficult. This situation warrants urgent attention and review.

Reception staff couldn't handle the phone queue

The receptionist's phone manner could be significantly improved.

Phone access remains frustratingly inconsistent

Don't anticipate much assistance even when your call is answered. Although the automated message promises same-day appointments for urgent matters, the reception team will typically inform you that slots are unavailable and suggest calling back the following day. It can feel rather unwelcome at times! Update: my most recent visit showed considerable improvement. The phone was picked up promptly and an appointment was arranged without excessive delay. I have observed that the clinical staff have consistently provided high-quality care. It appears the difficulties may stem from the administrative side of operations?

Phone lines left me upset and unheard

I was upset after a phone call with a receptionist who spoke to me in a manner I found insensitive and lacking in empathy. I felt my concerns were not handled with appropriate care. When I attempted to contact the practice multiple times during the morning, I struggled to reach anyone. I was calling about delayed results that are important to me, and I felt the tone of the conversation was dismissive. Being spoken to in this way was distressing, and I did not feel supported during what was a difficult call for me.

Practice declined after staff changes

This practice was previously good and had some excellent clinicians, but since their departure, the quality has declined significantly. I am currently unwell, yet the earliest available appointment is not until Monday. Where are the NHS principles of patient care, compassion, and commitment? This is absolutely shocking and disappointing.

Long waits for appointments and prescriptions

The team members are welcoming and supportive, however the service is hindered by lengthy delays in obtaining prescriptions. Booking an appointment can also involve substantial waiting periods.

Reception promised prescription without following through

Disappointing experience. I attended to request a prescription that I have been receiving for 2 years. I was told it would be processed. When I went to collect it from the pharmacy, I discovered it hadn't been issued since several months prior. I am now starting a new role away from home and find myself without this important medication. I feel let down by the lack of communication - there was no call to discuss any potential issues with the prescription, it simply wasn't provided.

Appointments always running significantly behind schedule

This surgery has significant issues. Appointments consistently run behind schedule. In most cases, when you do manage to secure an appointment slot, you are seen by a nurse practitioner instead of a doctor. Obtaining a doctor's appointment requires booking several weeks in advance, which is impractical for acute health concerns. The surgery recently declined to issue a prescription for common over-the-counter medications for my young child who was experiencing considerable discomfort from a viral illness. I was advised to purchase these items myself rather than have them prescribed, despite my child being eligible for free prescriptions through the NHS. This is deeply frustrating.