The Cedars Surgery
SW
Steve W. 4 years ago • From Google
Bad
An honest review, in my perspective. Some individuals are quick to complain about minor inconveniences like phone accessibility or staff attitude. We're aware that reviews aren't always balanced. Many people tolerate substandard service without recognizing it shouldn't be acceptable. I consider myself part of that group. I was registered with Cedars for 8 years as my local practice. My late step father, a kind man, described it as a terrible surgery, but I perhaps naively disregarded his observations. Previously, I'd been with a contemporary medical practice in Bristol, which was exceptionally efficient and consistently impressive. I'd never encountered issues with the NHS before. Joining Cedars felt like stepping back to the 1970-80s with its outdated facility, though I assumed the staff would be contemporary. In my view, management seemed to create unnecessary obstacles. The doctors themselves appeared reasonable. The "ask my GP" system is somewhat frustrating but seemingly functional. My concern stems from a sleep apnea machine incident where they refused to refer me to the sleep unit, requiring a written appeal despite prior diagnosis and needing only a repair. When I reported chest pains, the doctor couldn't locate a large blood pressure cuff and dismissed me, suggesting weight loss - just three days before I suffered a heart attack. The locum doctor was likely negligent, and the practice shouldn't have employed them. I required a testicular lump removal and endured multiple appeal letters, which were subsequently lost. I waited five years, continuously appealing. They consistently claimed this was standard procedure, citing NHS budget constraints, which I accepted. This situation depressed me, yet I remained passive. I didn't consider a friend's suggestion that this might be a profit-driven private practice potentially prioritizing financial interests over patient care. My heart specialist repeatedly urged the doctor to address my concerns, but nothing transpired. Eventually, he recommended changing practices. My new doctors are incredibly proactive. They immediately scheduled my lump removal, expressing confusion about previous delays and implementing changes that dramatically improved my life. Before switching, I wrote explaining my concerns, but received no response. I've contemplated legal action for medical negligence regarding the heart attack and other undisclosed incidents, but proving conclusively is challenging and exhausting. Ultimately, I don't believe litigation is the optimal solution. It's not about courtroom victory or monetary compensation, but doing what's right. My preferred approach is removing myself from their service and cautioning others. Should they request review removal or I discover it's been deleted, it would merely demonstrate their preference for suppressing criticism over service improvement. I firmly believe everyone receives fair warning and opportunity for change. Therefore, I cannot recommend this practice, but I sincerely wish you well.
Iddy V.