Neetside Surgery
ND
Naga's D. 5 years ago • From Google
Great
Haven't experienced problems with this practice for over six years or so. Until recently. I hadn't attended for a general checkup since before COVID started, for understandable reasons. I called on a Friday to request an appointment for one, and to ask about obtaining a printed document relating to a health matter. I was informed that same-day appointments are available and suggested I call back on my preferred date. As it was late Friday, I decided to ring back on Monday. When I called Monday, I was told they don't actually offer appointments at all, which seemed contradictory to what I'd been told previously. The receptionist I spoke with appeared notably reluctant to assist throughout the entire interaction. I struggled to get an appointment, there was a delay while they located my records, and I was informed my condition was mild and that I would need imaging repeated as considerable time had passed. I expressed interest in booking an appointment for this as well, but was declined. I then asked whether a printed document of my diagnosis could be collected or would be posted, but was directed to use an external service with a significant fee for this basic document. I found this response frustrating and unreasonable. I was very dissatisfied and upset at this point. The experience felt obstructive and concerning, as I worried that patients with more pressing needs might face similar barriers when contacting the practice. I was too taken aback to note the receptionist's name at the time. I intended to call back to address this further. I did call again subsequently. This time, the phone was answered promptly by a helpful and friendly member of staff who answered my questions and provided useful information. This positive interaction highlighted the contrast with my earlier experience, reinforcing that the initial difficulty appeared to stem from one individual. The clinical staff have consistently been pleasant and professional.
Anthony F.