CI

Cece I. 7 years ago • From Google

Rating

Bad

Phone queue too long, receptionists lack compassion

I have consistently found myself becoming distressed whenever I have needed to access this practice. My concern is not for myself but for my children, who require their services periodically. The reception team handling phone calls generally come across as dismissive and lacking in empathy. They readily suggest that you "call back tomorrow morning at 8am" as if this is a straightforward task, and even when you do manage to reach them early, appointments remain unavailable, even for very young children. I typically call the surgery promptly at 8am, yet by 8.19am when I finally get through, there are no available slots. This has been my repeated experience. It appears I will be dealing with this situation for an indefinite period, as there are no alternative practices with strong ratings in my locality. Changes are needed. Reception staff should not be unwelcoming on the phone. Callers are people first and foremost, and often in vulnerable situations—that is precisely why they are reaching out for assistance. Staff should communicate with kindness and patience, without raising their voices, being dismissive, or appearing eager to end calls with patients. We recognise the pressures and demands of their role, but this does not align with the standards we expect from healthcare services. I have recently received considerate support from the out-of-hours service, who advised me to attend an emergency department with my child. Without their assistance, I would have become extremely frustrated with the reception staff. I cannot recommend this practice. If you are in this area, I would encourage you to seek care elsewhere.

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