St Albans Surgery
MC
Mr C. 6 months ago • From Google
Poor
I would not recommend this practice due to policies that appear to be unpopular among patients. Positive aspects include courteous reception staff and clinical professionals, though obtaining an appointment can be challenging. The main concern is the appointment system. The practice does not permit advance bookings and instead requires patients to call at opening time to secure same-day slots. This creates difficulties for those in employment, as arranging time off work becomes problematic. Despite this system, the facilities often appear to have availability, raising questions about why advance appointment slots are not offered. The practice also favours telephone consultations. It is unclear whether patients genuinely prefer this approach, particularly now that in-person appointments are feasible. Additionally, email enquiries frequently go unanswered. While some clinical staff deserve recognition, the appointment access issues significantly undermine the overall experience. The clinical quality becomes irrelevant if patients cannot secure consultations in the first place. Previous reviews highlight these same concerns, and management must be aware of the feedback. It is worth noting that reception staff are often criticised in comments, though they are implementing policies rather than creating them, and likely experience considerable pressure as a result.
Nati B.