RU

Robert U. 2 years ago • From Google

Rating

Bad

Long phone queue, vague callback time given

I have been a long-time resident of this area and recall when this surgery provided a good standard of care. The clinical staff and reception team were previously approachable and supportive. However, the area has experienced significant residential development in recent years, which has understandably increased demand on the practice. While I recognise the broader pressures facing the NHS, the quality of service I experienced fell short of acceptable standards. I had not attended an appointment for some considerable time before requiring urgent care. When I called at the start of the appointment booking window, I was placed in a queue and waited approximately twenty minutes to speak with reception staff. After explaining my situation, I was not offered a specific appointment slot. Instead, I was informed that a clinician would contact me, though no specific time was provided. When I asked for clarification, I was told the call would come sometime before three o'clock. I remained available throughout the afternoon while at work, but no call arrived. Upon returning home later that evening, I discovered a voicemail message left at approximately six o'clock, which had been missed while I was resting. The tone of the message suggested the missed call was somehow my responsibility. This experience was frustrating, and I now face the prospect of repeating the entire process to obtain care. On a previous occasion, I had attempted to visit the surgery in person to request an appointment and was informed that walk-in consultations were not available and that I would need to telephone instead. Overall, the service provided fell well short of what I would expect, with little apparent effort invested by staff. It is disappointing to provide a negative review, particularly for an NHS service, but potential patients deserve to understand the current standard of care at this practice.

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