Balham Health Centre
RD
Robert D. 7 years ago • From Google
Bad
I found the reception experience to be quite unwelcoming. I arrived at 6:15 to complete a registration form for the practice. While I was filling this out, I observed a member of the reception team speaking in a raised voice and appearing dismissive towards several patients. One individual who had limited English language skills was told firmly that she would need to obtain her NHS number from her previous surgery before registration could proceed. When she appeared not to understand, the staff member continued to raise their voice, which resulted in her leaving the premises looking confused and upset. When I went to submit my completed form, including my NHS number, I was informed loudly that the practice does not process administrative tasks after 6:30. I had not been made aware of this restriction beforehand. I suggested the form could be placed aside for processing the following morning, but was told this was not possible and that I would need to return during earlier hours. This seemed unreasonable given that the verification required would have been minimal. I have attended this practice on previous occasions and encountered comparable difficulties at reception. It is disappointing because once past the reception area, the clinical staff and standard of care are genuinely excellent. It is unclear why these reception issues have not been resolved. A role of this nature requires compassion and understanding. For many people, attending medical appointments requires considerable effort, and being met with such an unwelcoming approach is simply not acceptable.
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