Woodfield Medical Centre

Phone queue chaos and contradictory appointment requirements

The surgery fell well short of expectations. I completed a required form through their website, only to receive a message the following day stating that a form submission required an initial in-person consultation first, which seemed contradictory given the form's presence on the site. When I attempted to book an appointment, I experienced lengthy wait times on the phone and was informed that no appointments were available, with suggestions to either try again the next day or arrive early in the morning. I did arrive early the next morning, but was then told the appointment would be conducted by telephone rather than in person. When the call eventually came through, the clinician appeared unfamiliar with my medical background and history, which made the consultation feel less effective. The overall experience raised concerns about how the practice operates following recent changes, and I would recommend exploring alternative healthcare providers.

Appointment changes caused me to waste a workday

Terrible experience at this practice - on two separate occasions I've attended with different concerns and on both visits I felt the medication prescribed wasn't appropriate for my needs. I was switched from one medication to another that hasn't provided the relief I was hoping for, leaving me struggling with ongoing discomfort. Additionally, my appointment was rescheduled from a morning slot to late afternoon, despite having arranged time off work for the original time, which resulted in losing a significant portion of my day. I felt the clinicians had formed conclusions before properly assessing my situation. The whole experience has been frustrating and unhelpful. I would recommend looking elsewhere for your healthcare needs, as I don't feel this practice was the right fit for me.

Medication handling let down by poor timing

I have a chronic condition requiring regular medication management, and this is the third occasion where I have experienced issues with my prescription handling. On this latest instance, I received a message shortly after 6pm informing me that I must complete a medication review appointment before my prescription could be dispensed. This notification came just before the practice closed for a bank holiday period, and my medication is essential for my daily functioning. I find this timing and approach to be unacceptable and am considering switching to another practice and pharmacy. Additionally, I felt the communication I received was dismissive and unhelpful.

Impossible to book an appointment despite trying

This practice was once reliable, but that is no longer the case. Obtaining an appointment has become extremely difficult, even when following their requested procedures precisely. After attempting to book throughout the week without success, I feel as though I no longer have access to medical care at this surgery.

Clerical errors left me without needed medication

Administrative mistakes have resulted in missing prescriptions, and some staff members have seemed lacking in compassion. Looking forward to finding an alternative practice.

Appointment arrived right on schedule

The appointment commenced at the scheduled time.

Called in early and felt genuinely at ease

Had an appointment today and just want to say what a lovely, professional and very pleasant experience I had. I was called in promptly and was made to feel so at ease and comfortable, the staff member was so friendly and chatty. It was lovely meeting them today and I really appreciated their approach.

Felt listened to and well cared for

I am very satisfied with the care I have received at this practice. I would not consider going elsewhere. I would highly recommend this practice to others.

Waiting times have become completely unmanageable

The service no longer appears to be available, and if it were possible to rate it lower, I would have done so.

Struggling to book appointments without compassion

Lack of empathy in care approach Consistently difficult to secure appointment slots

Impossible to get through on the phone lines

I'm unsure what purpose the phone lines serve when appointments are never available. I'm told daily to call back at 8, and after ringing repeatedly over several days, I eventually get through only to hear the same response each time—call back at 8 tomorrow as there are no slots. Eventually I contacted an alternative service who arranged a telephone consultation within 36 minutes. I've been dealing with reduced mobility since early December related to back and hip issues, and all I need is a referral to hospital for an injection procedure I've received annually for 8 years. However, I cannot secure an appointment to obtain this referral. What's particularly frustrating is being told by reception staff that I haven't called early enough, despite being able to evidence every attempt I've made. I suspect accessing certain services wouldn't present the same difficulties. Once my current issue is resolved, I intend to register elsewhere.

Callbacks work but appointments still needed

The clinician demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment to patient care. While the callback system can be inconvenient, it does allow for efficient management of issues that don't require an in-person appointment, which helps prioritise more urgent cases. My family and I have had a positive experience overall.

Dismissive GP left me feeling unheard about pain

I called the practice this morning and was asked whether my situation was an emergency, as there was limited staffing available due to absences. After explaining my concerns, I was told a clinician would call me back. I've now spoken to a clinician I've had previous negative experiences with, as on a past occasion I felt they were dismissive of my concerns, only for me to be admitted to hospital the following day and subsequently miss six weeks of work. During today's call, I again felt my symptoms were not taken seriously. I'm experiencing significant pain, and was told that without a confirmed infection, they couldn't provide treatment, rather than exploring what other issues might be causing my symptoms once they've investigated further. I'm very disappointed with this interaction. The practice's reliance on callback systems also feels inefficient. I'm considering changing practices, though I'm aware there are only a couple of clinicians I feel confident with, and accessing appointments with them is challenging.

Receptionist rudeness and impossible appointment delays

I would rate this practice very poorly if possible. I require regular appointments every couple of months. Despite making multiple booking attempts and receiving assurances that someone would get back to me, I remained on a waiting list for approximately four months before securing my second appointment. The reception staff have consistently been unwelcoming, and the person responsible for scheduling outpatient visits appears to be frequently unavailable or occupied with other commitments. The callback process takes around three weeks, only to discover that no suitable slots are being offered unless attendance can be arranged at short notice. This approach is problematic for those whose work schedules are planned several weeks in advance and who cannot accommodate last-minute appointments.

Nurse appointments vanish within minutes of opening

I feel the appointment system could be improved, as I've experienced repeated instances where I've been directed to book a consultation with the nursing staff. When I've attempted to secure an appointment at 8am, I've been informed that all available slots for that day are already fully booked and advised to call back the following morning. This situation has occurred multiple times for me. On one particular occasion, it was approximately 9 minutes after 8am when I finished my call, with around 7 minutes of that time spent waiting to get through to someone.

Long-term patient treated with genuine respect

I have been a patient at this practice for many years and have consistently received excellent care throughout my time here. I have always been treated with great respect and I feel that the staff do a wonderful job, particularly during challenging periods.

Staff dismissive of patient needs and concerns

The service provided appears inadequate at present, and there are concerns about responsiveness to patient concerns. The experience felt dismissive and raises questions about equitable treatment. Improvements are urgently needed. Appreciation is extended to those staff members who demonstrate genuine commitment and compassion. For those who care deeply about their work and their colleagues, working together towards positive change would be beneficial for everyone. It is hoped that the practice can rebuild its standing and return to delivering the quality of care it once provided. This would be a welcome development. This perspective comes from someone with extensive healthcare background and experience. The current state of service falls short of expected standards. There are concerns that the practice operates as a business focused on financial returns rather than being properly managed to prioritise patient care. The situation is disappointing, and those responsible should reflect on the standards being maintained.

Struggling to book appointments through phone slots

It is extremely difficult to secure an appointment because the designated telephone booking windows result in the lines being constantly engaged.

Reception staff repeatedly ignored phone calls

The reception staff have consistently demonstrated unhelpful attitudes and have frequently failed to answer incoming calls. This pattern has occurred repeatedly over time. My spouse and I have raised concerns about these issues without seeing any improvement. We are relieved to be moving on after our long association with this practice.

Friendly reception made the visit pleasant

Excellent