"Horrible Experience"

I’m extremely disappointed with the lack of transparency and poor communication from this GP practice regarding a simple form I needed completed for my private medical insurance. I attended an appointment with an Dr at the practise, who advised me to leave the form at reception for him to fill out. At no point was I told there would be a charge for this.

I was later contacted and told I needed to book another appointment with a different doctor just to get the form filled in, which I was not originally informed of. Again, no mention was made about any cost. Eventually, I was contacted and told the form had been completed — but only then was I informed there was a fee attached. This was never mentioned at any stage beforehand.

This whole process caused unnecessary delays and frustration. Had the practice clearly communicated the cost upfront, I would have made an informed decision and expected a basic standard of service.

I hope the practice improves its communication with patients going forward, as situations like this can add stress at a time when patients are already trying to manage their health.

To make matters worse, when I went to the reception to make the payment and collect the form, I was told to return the next day because the person handling it had already left. This caused further unnecessary delays and wasted my time. On top of this, I was told the payment could only be made in cash — which I found unacceptable in this day and age, particularly at an NHS GP practice.