West Coker Surgery

Receptionists dismissive after two decades of registration

This surgery has not met my expectations. After being registered for over two decades, I have decided to seek care elsewhere. Since the pandemic period, I have been unable to obtain an appointment with a clinician. Additionally, my medical records contain inaccuracies that do not reflect my actual medical history. The reception staff have been unhelpful and dismissive throughout my interactions with them. When I followed up regarding a referral, I was informed that an error had been made on the initial form, and despite my long-standing relationship with the practice, the matter was not resolved promptly. Instead, I was told I would need to be added to a waiting list to speak with administrative staff, with contact only available once weekly. The lack of follow-up support has been particularly frustrating. My family has also found the reception process intrusive and unhelpful, as information provided is frequently mishandled. Overall, I am extremely disappointed with the service provided by this practice.

Helpful receptionists but diagnosis by text felt rushed

Communication regarding my health concerns was conducted through text message, and the reception staff were particularly pleasant and helpful.

Unreachable surgery with unhelpful text message responses

I registered with this surgery in 2024 after relocating to the area, and it has been the most disappointing practice I have attended. When my son was unwell and experiencing significant symptoms, I contacted the surgery seeking an appointment but was informed that none were available. I have attended the surgery on multiple occasions with my daughter but felt that the visits were unproductive. The practice tends to communicate via text messages that do not allow for replies, which I find frustrating. During a recent visit with my daughter, I was given informational leaflets but did not feel that the consultation resulted in meaningful support or solutions. Due to these experiences, I have found it more beneficial to seek care at the hospital for my children's health concerns, as I feel we receive more effective assistance there. I regret my decision to register with this practice.

Couldn't see a GP, only text messages

This practice has not met my expectations. Access to in-person appointments appears limited, with communication primarily conducted through text-based methods. The overall experience fell short of what I would consider adequate patient care. I would recommend considering alternative healthcare providers before choosing this surgery.

No chance of actually seeing a gp

Unable to get an appointment when I need one. Text messages don't cut it when I really needed help for a serious issue. The nurses are great and couldn't be more helpful.

Terrible Healthcare: No Doctor Contact After 7 Weeks

Deserving of less than a single star, the service is absolutely disgraceful. I've been forced to pursue every single test result myself, and their staff fails to inquire about fundamental patient information. All communication happens through impersonal text messages, and they consistently deflect responsibility when referral timelines aren't adhered to. They demonstrate zero understanding of patient care and consistently neglect to follow through on any commitments. After seven weeks, I remain completely uninformed about my medical situation and have not even managed to speak directly with my assigned physician. The entire experience is utterly incomprehensible.

Impossible to Get a Doctor's Appointment Here

Terrible service, impossible to schedule a consultation. They promise to reach out, but never follow through—just sending vague text messages. I've been completely unable to get a doctor's appointment for four long years, which is incredibly frustrating 👎

Impossible to Reach Doctors at This Clinic

The medical staff like nurses and receptionists deserve praise, but the physicians are absolutely terrible. Scheduling an appointment with these doctors seems like an insurmountable challenge. Attempting to communicate with them is essentially futile. While they excel at sending text messages, the communication is completely one-sided since patients cannot respond, rendering their messaging system useless. The overall quality of medical care is dismally low.

Remote consultations replacing face-to-face appointments disappoints

Since the pandemic, I feel this practice has declined in quality. I'm frustrated that face-to-face appointments with doctors seem difficult to access. I've been receiving text message consultations, which I find unsatisfactory. I recently had a swollen knee and was asked to submit a photograph. The response suggested over-the-counter pain relief, booking physiotherapy, and waiting for imaging to be arranged. I feel I could have attended hospital directly and received examination and imaging with a diagnosis on the same day. The practice hasn't maintained its previous standard since a previous doctor departed. I valued that doctor's approach of treating patients with genuine care and taking time with consultations rather than rushing through appointments. Given my work as a care worker, I need medical issues resolved promptly, but the current system doesn't seem to facilitate that.

Dismissive Doctor Misdiagnosed My Daughter

I visited this clinic twice with my daughter when she was sick, and the doctor greeted me with an exasperated "oh, you again." Despite her being unwell, the physician diagnosed her with asthma and prescribed inhalers. I tried explaining that she has no breathing difficulties, runs without any issues, and enjoys endless laughing fits without wheezing. The letter I received afterward was condescending, patronizing, and incredibly rude from an utterly unprofessional doctor. There was zero explanation for the diagnosis, just pure fear-mongering. I absolutely refuse to subject my child to steroids without clear medical necessity! I sincerely hope they improve their communication skills and approach to patient care.

Terrible. Finally moved away from this poor practice

So inept. Reception unorganised. Can’t book. Never communicate fully. It needs shutting down

Grandpa's Care Was Smooth and Swift

I have absolutely no complaints about this medical practice. Every staff member, from the front desk to the doctors, has been incredibly supportive and compassionate. My grandfather's medical needs have been addressed efficiently and thoroughly, and I'm truly appreciative of the exceptional care they've provided. I couldn't have hoped for better treatment.

Lindsay's Staff Made Me Lose It

Absolutely the most exasperating organization. I sympathize with the nursing staff who understand the ethical course of action but risk their employment by speaking up. This Lindsay individual should be eliminated from their position, replaced by compassionate, competent leadership. They demonstrate complete indifference toward patients of every age. The narrative remains consistently disappointing across all interactions in the community. Zero stars and not a single redeeming quality to mention.

Wasted Day for an Ignored Lump Appointment

It's fortunate a single star is mandatory. I attempted to schedule an appointment, calling multiple times, only to ultimately receive a message suggesting I needed to book another appointment. I adjusted my work schedule, leaving early in anticipation, yet the GP dismissed my growing lump based solely on reception notes, despite booking the appointment nearly a week prior. I am absolutely certain I will never return to this facility, even in a life-or-death scenario. My recommendation: seek alternatives or invest in private healthcare! The reception staff are utterly incompetent and deceptive, leading me to imagine the GP's capabilities must be equally abysmal. Anyone valuing their health should categorically avoid this establishment, as they clearly do not reciprocate patient care. I'm convinced the positive reviews are fabricated by fake accounts attempting to salvage their reputation - and they've still only managed two stars! An utterly deplorable practice and complete waste of time. If you're seeking substandard medical treatment, this is precisely the place for you! Addendum June 2024 - I suppose one favorable review among twenty-eight isn't terrible when discussing healthcare...

Nurse was great, but receptionists need work

Note: this is a preliminary review as I have not yet consulted the doctor. The nurse I encountered was exceptional, demonstrating remarkable dedication and going to extraordinary lengths. Now for the drawbacks:- 1) the receptionists, typical of many GP practices, seem to have developed an inflated sense of importance, making it incredibly challenging to interact with them, posing intrusive and unnecessary personal inquiries. 2) The dispensary staff appear equally self-important, responding to calls only when it conveniences them (even during supposedly operational hours, they frequently lower the blinds, effectively creating barriers). In summary:- to the nurse, you are truly outstanding, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Regarding the doctor, I reserve judgment for now. The remaining staff, as school reports would traditionally note, "could demonstrate more effort".

Friendly Staff Helped During Covid Restrictions

I signed up with this medical practice in 2020 during the challenging Covid period, which wasn't ideal timing. Despite this, I've consistently received outstanding care. The reception team demonstrates remarkable professionalism while maintaining a welcoming demeanor. Like many practices, securing an appointment can be tricky with limited GP availability, but this reflects broader healthcare pressures, not the surgery's shortcomings. I've experienced both telephone and in-person consultations and received appropriate referrals when needed. When I had a specific concern, the Practice Manager personally returned my call. They're proactive, contacting me annually to review my medication. Regarding Dr. Smith, I'm perplexed by negative feedback - in my experience, he was thoroughly professional, comprehensive in his explanations, and genuinely personable. I would wholeheartedly recommend this surgery. Addendum April 2024. I've noticed a recent review suggesting all positive testimonials are fabricated, and I want to emphatically dispute this claim. The account I've shared is a genuine, unbiased reflection of my personal interactions with this practice. I want to be crystal clear: I have no personal connection to any staff members.

Dr Smith's Care Made a Difference

Despite the challenges facing NHS general practitioners, Dr. Lindsay Smith has demonstrated exceptional care and attentiveness in tracking my persistent medical issue. The entire practice staff consistently maintains a welcoming and supportive demeanor.

Terrible first impression at the front desk

The front desk staff features an incredibly unpleasant female employee whose demeanor is shockingly unprofessional and off-putting. Her attitude is aggressive and condescending, making the check-in experience deeply uncomfortable.

Dr Smith's Practice: A 20-Year Patient's View

I'm truly puzzled by the negative feedback posted here. It seems people are far more eager to share complaints when things don't meet their expectations, unlike my experience with Dr Smith and his team, whom I've known for over two decades. Whenever I need to schedule a consultation with the doctor or nurse, wait times have always been minimal. (My friends constantly grumble about the challenges of getting appointments at other medical practices!). Frequently, a phone consultation suffices, but when an in-person visit is necessary, I've been seen within two days at most - and that was even during the pandemic lockdown! Every staff member consistently treats me with the utmost professionalism and respect, and I genuinely have no criticisms whatsoever. My sole worry is what might transpire if Dr Smith decides to retire!

Worst Surgical Experience of My Life

Absolutely zero stars would be my rating if possible. The surgical procedure was a complete disaster.