Central Gateshead Medical Group
JV
Johnathan V. 3 years ago • From Google
Bad
Getting in touch and securing an appointment has proven quite challenging, and interactions over the phone have felt unwelcoming. I was given medication for indigestion when the underlying issue was actually a dietary intolerance. This came after a year of hospital visits where the cause remained unidentified. I eventually worked it out myself by reviewing my daily habits and recognising a pattern with certain foods and drinks. I attended twice with a urinary tract infection because the first appointment did not result in appropriate treatment. At the second visit, the condition was quickly identified and suitable medication was provided. There appears to be a pattern where some clinicians do not fully engage with what patients are saying. This lack of attentiveness seems to contribute to clinical oversights. Management at this practice would benefit from addressing this issue. I have not returned since and plan to seek care elsewhere when needed. Adding this reflection years after my initial experience: The practice has not provided the support I require. My ongoing health concerns have deteriorated significantly. Over a decade, the main barriers have been difficulty accessing appointments, and when appointments do occur, the same investigations are repeated without progressing to more comprehensive assessment. The approach appears to rely on trial-and-error prescribing rather than thorough investigation. More extensive diagnostic work does not seem to be pursued. I have chosen to pay privately for medical care instead of continuing with this practice. This decision stems partly from my experience here, but also from frustration with how long NHS processes can take. There is a sense that appointment slots and resources are not being used efficiently when initial investigations are incomplete, leading to repeated visits for the same concerns.
Kelvin M.