Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals significant challenges with appointment access and booking systems, with patients reporting extensive waiting times, phone line failures, and difficulties securing consultations. Reception experience emerges as a key concern, with multiple accounts of discourteous interactions, dismissive attitudes, and poor responsiveness to patient needs. Communication breakdowns are evident across administrative processes, including delayed test results, lost referrals, and inadequate follow-up on scheduled callbacks. However, clinical care receives consistent praise, with patients highlighting compassionate doctors, attentive nursing staff, and professional physiotherapy services. The contrast between positive clinical experiences and negative administrative interactions suggests operational inefficiencies rather than care quality issues.

Patients describe the booking process as particularly problematic, with some unable to reach the practice by phone and others facing month-long waits for appointments. Several reviews mention phone system failures where calls disconnect after lengthy hold periods. Administrative errors including misplaced documentation, incorrect registration records, and scheduling conflicts have compounded patient frustration. Despite these systemic issues, individual healthcare professionals receive recognition for their dedication and clinical competence, with several patients expressing gratitude for thorough examinations and genuine care.

The practice appears to struggle with capacity and coordination between departments. While some patients report positive experiences with prompt medication delivery and efficient physiotherapy appointments, others describe a disorganised approach to scheduling and communication that leaves them feeling unsupported. The feedback suggests that improving administrative processes, phone accessibility, and interdepartmental coordination would significantly enhance the overall patient experience.

Appointment

22.10 %
Bad

Reception

28.90 %
Bad

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

58.75 %
Average

Respect

31.20 %
Bad

Seen on time

25.85 %
Bad

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NK

Noush K. Google 8 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible wait for basic child care

This surgical practice is absolutely dreadful. Their service is completely unacceptable. I've been attempting to schedule an appointment for my child for over a week, and nothing has been resolved. The receptionist even suggested we seek help at a pharmacy instead. If you value your well-being, steer clear of this medical facility.

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SS

S S. Google 9 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Doctors who won't listen to patients

Terrible experience - any attempt to share personal insights or seek advice from certain general practitioners falls on deaf ears. They completely disregard patient input. I'm switching medical practices.

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DA

Dwight A. Google 9 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Receptionist cut me off mid-sentence

I reached out to the medical office today, and the front desk staff member displayed a shocking lack of professionalism. She was completely dismissive and unwilling to hear me out. Without any consideration, she abruptly terminated our call, leaving me feeling entirely disregarded and frustrated by her blatant disrespect!

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DL

Dragulin L. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Long wait times drove me crazy

Absolutely dreadful experience. Their customer service is appalling, with ridiculously extended wait periods just to get a basic query answered. Their operational approach is completely unacceptable. If you value your well-being and peace of mind, steer clear of this establishment.

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BC

Brian C. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Waste of money and time

Completely worthless

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KJ

Kerry J. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible wait times and dismissive staff

The medical practice falls far short of expectations. The waiting periods are excruciatingly long, and the physicians seem dismissive and unhelpful, often resorting to basic internet searches for medical guidance. When patients express dissatisfaction or request additional support, the standard response is a perfunctory apology, followed by a blanket statement that such services are not provided by this practice.

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RB

Rachelle B. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick help during morning emergency

I needed an urgent medical consultation this morning, and the front desk personnel were incredibly supportive and compassionate. The physicians I consulted were truly exceptional. I am immensely appreciative that they accommodated me today, and they conducted a comprehensive examination with remarkable attention to detail. Their kindness and understanding meant so much to me. Despite how hectic their day seemed, I couldn't have hoped for a more outstanding experience. I want to express my deepest gratitude once more for such a wonderfully empathetic and professional service. Rachelle Bennett

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DS

D S. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick and smooth surgery visit

Fantastic medical procedure 👏 As a patient for 17 years... I've consistently experienced smooth scheduling and want to express my gratitude to the entire surgical team. Your dedication and professionalism are truly commendable. My sincere appreciation goes out to everyone involved!

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AK

Andrzej K. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Lung pain and clinic's unhelpful response

Incredible frustration! I reached out today due to persistent right lung pain, unsure of the cause, and suspecting bronchitis for over a week. This isn't the first time—I experienced similar symptoms a few weeks back that temporarily subsided. Previously, they redirected me to a physical therapist simply because I mentioned back discomfort. Today's response? An appointment in 2 weeks, with the suggestion to visit the Broad Street Walk-in Centre for anything urgent. The receptionist inquired if this was an emergency, which I interpreted as life-threatening. Naturally, I said no, thinking they'd just advise calling emergency services. BUT IT ABSOLUTELY IS AN EMERGENCY! I wouldn't be contacting them if the situation wasn't serious—lung pain persisting for weeks is definitely concerning! I'm genuinely questioning this clinic's medical capabilities. Every appointment attempt results in a barrage of excuses. Someone from the NHS seriously needs to investigate their operational practices. The clinic's reputation, evident through existing reviews and ratings, speaks volumes. Meanwhile, I'm preparing to seek immediate care at the walk-in centre...

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SH

Syed H. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Harsh reception after mom's bypass surgery

The receptionist's behavior was utterly deplorable. My mother, who recently underwent bypass surgery, had a scheduled appointment for stitch removal. I was helping her get to the clinic, and due to her slow movement and preparation, we arrived 5 minutes late. When I appealed to the receptionist for understanding, considering my mother's delicate condition, she proved to be the most discourteous NHS staff I have ever encountered. Her demeanor was completely unsympathetic, harsh, and she began berating me without any compassion.

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SG

Stephen G. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick relief from my physio visit

I scheduled a physiotherapy consultation online and was impressed to secure an appointment within a day. The professional consultation and guidance I received were excellent. During my early afternoon visit, the clinic appeared relatively quiet, and patients were being seen efficiently and without significant delays.

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EO

Eta O. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Morning flight was smooth and easy

No issues to report

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EA

Enoch A. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Early closing ruins customer service

Advertised closing time is 6:30, but they prematurely lock up at 6 and completely shut down any customer service, turning away anyone who arrives.

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A

Anonymouse one year ago

Rating

Bad!

  • Appointment

    Bad
  • Reception

    Poor
  • Cleanliness

    Poor
  • Care

    Bad
  • Respect

    Bad
  • Seen On Time

    Bad

totally useless

please do not use them

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BB

Becky B. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Kind doctor helped calm my nerves

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Przemek Miozga. I arrived feeling nervous because of a prior unpleasant encounter at this medical practice. Przemek demonstrated exceptional professionalism and courtesy throughout our interaction. He successfully helped me relax and feel comfortable. I wholeheartedly recommend his services! I truly value the care I received today. Many thanks to Western Elms Surgery!

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JA

Jeremy A. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Miserable wait and zero help from staff

Every single encounter with this medical practice is a complete disaster. The responsibility is constantly shifted onto the patient: attempting to schedule an appointment - they tell you to call back because they're not booking now; when you try to see a doctor - they assign you a non-physician; and so on. The waiting is interminable. This is unquestionably the most incompetent medical facility I've ever experienced. Without exception, every interaction is transformed into an exhausting, frustrating ordeal.

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DM

Dennis M. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate support during tough times

Exceptional staff, highly competent and dedicated. We're truly grateful for their support and care during these challenging circumstances.

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OO

Olga O. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Maggie's unhelpful attitude ruined my care

On July 2nd, I attempted to schedule a GP appointment. The receptionist, Maggie, cut me off before I could explain my medical need. She dismissively offered her own opinion, claimed no availability, and repeatedly punctuated her statements with "okay?" When I persisted, she promised someone would contact me during the day. I waited until 4 PM, then called back to discover no one had been assigned to reach out. On July 8th, I called to inquire about my test results. Maggie answered again and was equally discourteous. She informed me the results were released the previous Friday and suggested it was premature for me to request them, directing me to call back later in the week. I consider this behavior highly unprofessional and believe it potentially compromises patient care. Her colleagues corroborated her habitual rudeness and directed me to a wall displaying her photograph, indicating I could file a formal complaint. I am hopeful for a substantive response and meaningful action regarding this employee's conduct. Thank you

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NF

Netty F. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Waited all day for a phantom call

I rang the medical practice to discuss a health issue, and they assured me they'd have the Western Elms surgery contact me. I've been waiting at home all day, and now it's 7:30pm with no callback. However, when I checked my patient access app, it showed a scheduled call between 10:00 - 10:20. They never actually called, yet claim they did. This is completely dishonest and unprofessional. It's not a reliable medical practice at all. They boast about offering face-to-face appointments (how generous of them 🙄), but trying to secure an appointment with one of their GPs is practically impossible - it would be easier to arrange a meeting with royalty! 😡

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OB

Oliver B. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Caring nurse saved the day

Jenny, the nurse, was absolutely fantastic when I brought my 8-week-old infant in for his immunizations. While there, I casually mentioned an ear issue I was experiencing, and Jenny promptly arranged for a colleague to examine me. They not only assessed my condition but also prescribed the necessary medication. Though I've only been a patient at this practice for a short time, I've consistently received top-notch, professional, and supportive care.

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Practice Response Rate
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Shows how often this practice responds to patient reviews and feedback.

About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 0118 9590257
  • Western Elms Surgery 317 Oxford Road Reading Berkshire RG30 1AT

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals significant challenges with appointment access and booking systems, with patients reporting extensive waiting times, phone line failures, and difficulties securing consultations. Reception experience emerges as a key concern, with multiple accounts of discourteous interactions, dismissive attitudes, and poor responsiveness to patient needs. Communication breakdowns are evident across administrative processes, including delayed test results, lost referrals, and inadequate follow-up on scheduled callbacks. However, clinical care receives consistent praise, with patients highlighting compassionate doctors, attentive nursing staff, and professional physiotherapy services. The contrast between positive clinical experiences and negative administrative interactions suggests operational inefficiencies rather than care quality issues.

Patients describe the booking process as particularly problematic, with some unable to reach the practice by phone and others facing month-long waits for appointments. Several reviews mention phone system failures where calls disconnect after lengthy hold periods. Administrative errors including misplaced documentation, incorrect registration records, and scheduling conflicts have compounded patient frustration. Despite these systemic issues, individual healthcare professionals receive recognition for their dedication and clinical competence, with several patients expressing gratitude for thorough examinations and genuine care.

The practice appears to struggle with capacity and coordination between departments. While some patients report positive experiences with prompt medication delivery and efficient physiotherapy appointments, others describe a disorganised approach to scheduling and communication that leaves them feeling unsupported. The feedback suggests that improving administrative processes, phone accessibility, and interdepartmental coordination would significantly enhance the overall patient experience.

Appointment

22.10 %
Bad

Reception

28.90 %
Bad

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

58.75 %
Average

Respect

31.20 %
Bad

Seen on time

25.85 %
Bad
Filter

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