Carmel Medical Practice
JM
Jean M. 12 years ago • From Google
Bad
Accessing appointments at this surgery proves remarkably challenging. The practice operates using a non-geographic number that incurs significant charges when calling from a mobile phone, and these calls are typically not covered by standard landline packages, resulting in costs of at least 5p per minute just to book an appointment. Based on experience, calls typically last between 6 and 12 minutes depending on when you ring, with a minimum wait of almost 2 minutes simply to enter the appointment queue. Guidance has been circulated to medical practices recommending the adoption of standard geographic numbers, yet this practice has chosen not to follow this recommendation or take into account patient feedback on this matter. Securing an appointment with a preferred doctor is equally frustrating, as the practice employs a problematic system for releasing appointment slots, with significant blocks of availability appearing to remain unavailable. Having been registered here for 25 years before relocating, I returned to the practice two years ago. However, the experience prompted me to seek care elsewhere at a surgery that appears to prioritise patient needs rather than operational statistics and financial considerations. When I contacted my new practice, I was struck by how promptly a receptionist answered the phone within just three rings using a standard geographic number, and I was offered a convenient appointment with my chosen doctor.
Caspian S.