Tower House Surgery
Shameen J. 4 years ago • From Google
Bad
Nhs surgery frustration with endless phone queues
I deeply respect and appreciate the NHS - and for the most part, Tower House Surgery have been supportive towards me. The medical staff are excellent. However, I find the 8am or 2pm call system completely illogical when attempting to see or speak with a doctor. It seems to create unnecessary stress for staff and additional distress for patients who are already unwell. As others have noted, one encounters an absurd caller queue - and when I hear Dr Foord's recorded message cautioning against rudeness to staff, I can't help but feel the entire system is deliberately designed to provoke frustration, unhappiness, and potential patient irritation towards the phone staff. Something has completely ASTOUNDED! me, compelling me to invest time writing this review and leaving me thoroughly angry and upset... ...specifically, after calling Tower House at 12.40 to relay that NHS 111 requested I contact the surgery about speaking to a GP within two hours, I was instructed to call back at 2 - because the surgery closes at 1pm and the subsequent two hours fall in the 'after 2pm period'. I am utterly shocked and bewildered. I had already endured a queue to speak with the receptionist. After the standard two-minute Coronavirus warning, Dr Foord's repeated 'don't be rude to our staff' message - which I've heard for three consecutive days... while waiting in a queue sometimes nine people deep... In desperation, I turned to NHS 111, who demonstrate kindness and gentleness, instructing me to contact the surgery immediately... only to have the receptionist refuse to take a message for the after-2pm team. Concluding the call with: 'Call back at 2 Okay? Thank you. Bye.' I urge you to review the recording. Now, I must restart the entire phone process and re-enter that massive queue. What outcome awaits me, I wonder. Dr Foord, as you depart, isn't it telling that you've needed to leave a recording requesting callers not to be rude to your staff? I've been ill for three days, deteriorating, feeling scared, in pain, and alone - desperately seeking help I've financially supported through decades of tax contributions. I've genuinely valued your surgery, and as mentioned, your medical team has been remarkable. But right now, I'm profoundly distressed. Yesterday, I navigated past nine people, only to encounter a receptionist eager to expedite my interaction with 'a nurse will call back, here's a photo link, and if you miss the call, you'll restart the entire process'. Sick and mentally foggy, I had to recall and re-queue to communicate my needs. Will this detailed account prompt any meaningful change? I remain skeptical.
I've completely wasted my time. I spent forty minutes waiting just to secure an appointment for a child under 11 years old who needed a prescription. In the end, I was left with a message indicating..
Tower House Surgery
Barry (.
I recognize that this medical practice, like many others, has been operating under significant strain since the pandemic However, I want to acknowledge that Dr. Annetts and her colleagues have..
Tower House Surgery
Naila N.
Getting a medical appointment here is incredibly frustrating. I consistently try calling during early morning hours, but I'm always met with the same dismissive response: "Sorry, we're fully booked,..
Tower House Surgery
TREVOR J.
My preferred physician is genuinely top-notch. However, scheduling a consultation is incredibly challenging, bordering on the impractical. This often necessitates traveling 15 miles to the Accident..
Tower House Surgery
Holly H.
Attended the six-week postpartum appointment with my infant. The self-check-in process was smooth and user-friendly, and we were called back promptly. A big thank you to Dr. G Rowland for being..
Tower House Surgery
Maddi I.
So many unwarranted critical remarks about the NHS. The healthcare system is under immense strain with limited resources, so be grateful for what's available and appreciate the service. If you can..
Tower House Surgery
rani r.
For 35 years, I've been a patient at this practice, but in the last three years, it has deteriorated dramatically. I tried calling at 8 am precisely, and no one answered; the surgery was closed...
Tower House Surgery
Beata F.
Scheduling an appointment is nearly impossible. Each time I reach out, I'm informed they're completely reserved and directed to retry at 2 PM or 8 AM the following day. Their booking system..
Tower House Surgery
Harry T.
Complete farce! Even if you're on the brink of a serious medical crisis, the supposedly "professional" front desk staff will dismiss your condition and claim it's not urgent enough to warrant an..
Tower House Surgery
Shajnah F.
NEGLECTED MY NEWBORN An absolutely horrendous experience, I'd rate zero stars if possible. AVOID AT ALL COSTS. During my temporary stay, I tried registering my newborn and submitted the form..
Tower House Surgery
Angela S.
Despite occasional difficulties reaching the practice via telephone - a common issue across most medical facilities nowadays - there has been a significant enhancement in the overall quality of care..
Tower House Surgery
Abru M.
I desperately want to award zero stars. There's one receptionist, whom I've repeatedly encountered, who embodies pure malevolence. While medical office staff are often known for being brusque, this..
Tower House Surgery
Adrian P.
Terrible service. The call kept dropping mid-discussion. I'm planning to file a complaint about their unreliable connection.
Tower House Surgery
andreea i.
Attempting to schedule an appointment has been incredibly frustrating. I've been trying to reach them for a full week, and their automated system keeps telling me they're occupied and to call back..
Tower House Surgery
Willy N.
Booking an appointment with this medical practice is completely unfeasible. The staff demonstrate an appalling lack of professionalism and customer service. When attempting to schedule a..
Tower House Surgery
Oyedoyin O.
Throughout the past decade, my family and I have maintained a predominantly satisfactory relationship with Tower House Surgery. Naturally, no healthcare provider is without flaws. Take, for example,..
Tower House Surgery
roy s.
I've been attempting to track down a prescription, checking both pharmacies with no success. I tried contacting the medical practice twice, and the last time I was first in line, waited 20 minutes,..
Tower House Surgery
Toby P.
Hello, the medical practice has significant issues with their appointment scheduling system. Ever since the holiday season, my partner and I have experienced extreme difficulty connecting via..
Tower House Surgery
Jane D.
Met with Dr. Shah today and was immediately impressed by her warm demeanor. She has an incredible ability to communicate complex medical information in a way that's easy to understand. Her..
Tower House Surgery
Javier P.
I consistently experience excellent service from this team. A heartfelt thanks to Dr Dallimore for her prompt assistance and helpfulness! Continue maintaining your outstanding performance.
Tower House Surgery
Zaneta S.