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"I felt so looked after"

About: Sidwell Street Clinic / Exeter Sexual Health

(as a service user),

I was concerned and needed a check up - the phone line was frustrating, as it said to call the same number I was already calling, and wouldn’t let me book an appointment over the phone or connect me with a member of staff. However, when I went in, staff on reception said they were changing systems, which is understandable.

That said, the level of speed, care and efficiency I received from all of the staff could not have been better once I was there. I felt so looked after, and competently cared for. Besides swiftly receiving the tests I wanted, I was told about extra levels of care available - and was quickly then given them. I felt absolutely honoured and blessed to live in a country where I could access care of that quality for free - it was genuinely amazing. I woke up this morning feeling quite anxious, and have gone to bed feeling fully reassured, and extra safe.

I am not exaggerating in any way here at all. The staff at the Exeter clinic, and the care i received could not have been better, hence why I am taking the time to write this review - very well deserved.

My sincere thanks to the Exeter clinic - you are a model for all to follow, epitomising professionalism. Please know that your hard work really is valued by people, well it certainly was by myself today.

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Responses

Response from April Brooks, Lead Nurse - Sexual Health, Devon Sexual Health, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 5 months ago
We are preparing to make a change
April Brooks
Lead Nurse - Sexual Health, Devon Sexual Health,
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Submitted on 27/11/2023 at 10:30
Published on Care Opinion at 11:41


picture of April Brooks

Hi robinpr53,

Thank you so much for taking the time to provide this feedback about your experience at the clinic. We are aware there are issues with the telephone lines, often due to the high volume of calls experienced in the Exeter clinic. We are trying to change how the phone system is managed as we do appreciate it is frustrating and annoying not being able to get through. I apologise for the difficulties you had on this occasion.

Despite the above, I am really grateful that once you got through the door, you had a very positive experience in clinic, and were well looked after by the team. Indeed, we are very lucky to be able to offer a high degree of care, including preventative measures to keep people healthy and safe in future - some examples include offering vaccines, PrEP, free condoms and on-going contraception, where indicated. We always aim to provide this is a friendly, informative and non-judgemental way,

Sometimes working in the NHS is challenging, but seeing feedback like yours is a perfect reminder why we do what we do, and why we love helping our patients. So thank you for making my day - I will be passing this on to the team too!

Best wishes,

April Brooks

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Response from April Brooks, Lead Nurse - Sexual Health, Devon Sexual Health, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 3 months ago
We have made a change
April Brooks
Lead Nurse - Sexual Health, Devon Sexual Health,
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Submitted on 02/02/2024 at 13:14
Published on Care Opinion at 13:46


picture of April Brooks

HI robinpr53,

I just wanted to let you know that since you left feedback 2 months ago, we have made changes to our phone system in Exeter and also launched an online booking system: https://www.devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk/our-clinics/myphr/

We have noticed that there is now less pressure on our phone lines, which means for people who do not want to book online, or for patients who wish to talk to a member of our reception team, it is easier to get through. The online booking system has been very popular, and if you need our service again in the future, I'd recommend seeing if it works for you?

We are always keen to hear what patients think.about their experience in clinic, and I wanted you to know that your feedback was taken on board and we have hopefully improved things.

Best wishes,

April

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