Plas Ffynnon Medical Centre
JM
J M. 3 years ago • From Google
Bad
Booking a doctor's appointment at this surgery is an exercise in frustration. Their policy requires patients to call early morning on the day they need care, essentially turning healthcare access into a competitive lottery. For anyone juggling work, childcare, or other commitments, this system is incredibly challenging. The process involves: 1. Frantically dialing at 8AM, joining a queue of patients desperately seeking a convenient appointment slot. 2. Hoping appointments remain available when you finally get through. If not, you're told to try again tomorrow - because clearly, medical issues can wait, right? 3. Miraculously securing an appointment, only to discover the available times are completely impractical. Can you actually attend? What about work schedules, school runs, or transportation? Wouldn't it be revolutionary if patients with non-urgent issues could book appointments in advance? This would undoubtedly improve staff planning, reduce patient stress, and enable better continuity of care. Patients could see their preferred doctor, continuing ongoing investigations without repeatedly explaining their medical history. This booking approach feels reminiscent of fast-food drive-thrus or petrol stations - just show up and hope. Even McDonald's offers delivery services now, so why can't this medical practice modernize their booking system? Perhaps their scheduling technology is stuck in a time warp. EDIT: Your subsequent explanation about pre-bookable appointments conflicts with my earlier experience. When I specifically requested booking 1-2 weeks ahead, I was flatly told this was impossible. There seems to be a communication breakdown. The e-consult system, however, works well and appears the most reliable option for working individuals struggling with peak-time phone lines. Thank you.
Katie C.