TP

Tom P. 3 years ago • From Google

Rating

Bad

Phone lines repeatedly disconnected during morning calls

I would rate this lower if possible. My partner attempted to reach the practice repeatedly yesterday morning between 8-9am but encountered only beeping sounds before the line disconnected. The same issue occurred again today during the same time window. I have also tried calling myself with identical results. It is frustrating to have a phone system that appears inaccessible. We are urgently seeking an appointment but are unable to connect. Based on this initial experience, I have concerns about the practice's accessibility.

Bowling Highfield Medical Practice

3 years ago

Dear Tom, We are sorry about this and have looked back at the phone stats. In recent weeks we have had days when we have over 10,000 calls to the surgery in a single day ( list size about 14500) GP practices get a limited amount of money - like all practices and the current NHS there are not enough staff to meet the exceptional demands. We offer significantly more appointments than we have ever done yet are unable to meet the full demand. We are working in different ways to try and make the resources as efficient as possible. Have you tried the Econsultation service ( see the website) if you submit a Econsult we will reply to you within 2 working days. This helps off load the phones. We recognize patient frustration, the staff here are working flat out to do what they can- it’s really frustrating for us too. Have you considered raising these concerns with your MP to ballot additional funding to help meet patient demands? Alternatively join our patient participation group to work alongside us to work as effectively as possible.

Other reviews for Bowling Highfield Medical Practice