Birchwood Medical Practice
JD
Jade D. 4 years ago • From Google
Bad
I've been a patient at this GP practice for many years, and the nurses and receptionists are truly fantastic. However, their internal communication seems quite poor. For instance, I was instructed to come in for a nurse consultation about travel vaccinations, but upon arrival, she informed me I didn't need any - a simple phone call could have saved an unnecessary appointment. The single star rating stems from some truly distressing encounters with certain GPs. The most traumatic was after returning from a holiday where I'd been in a serious accident, spending five days in intensive care battling a traumatic brain injury. When I attended the follow-up appointment recommended by my neurosurgeon, my concerns were dismissed. The GP claimed I was overreacting and merely had a headache. Although she later apologized, the experience itself was deeply upsetting. Many of my negative experiences involve feeling invalidated or rushed by the doctors. While I deeply appreciate the NHS and understand the immense pressures they face, I've often felt unheard. I never formally complained, recognizing the staff's overwhelming stress. Nevertheless, I'm sharing my story to advise others: if you feel dismissed, persist or consider changing practices. During one consultation about my mental health - a time when I was genuinely struggling and seeking help - a GP told me I was young and would be fine. This potentially misunderstood interaction was only addressed when I brought my mother, who helped me communicate more effectively. For 15 years, I was misdiagnosed and advised to follow a restrictive diet until a locum GP correctly identified my likely endometriosis, provided management advice, and removed the dietary restrictions. Ultimately, the staff genuinely try their best under challenging circumstances. The nurses are outstanding, the receptionists exceptional - it's just the doctors who consistently fall short.
Mary H.