"Very helpful, efficient and friendly practice. "

I am a new patient and I had an appointment here at the end of April, this was my first GP appt for some years and I wanted to let you know how it went.

Making the appt was painless, I found the reception staff very helpful and my appointment went well. Dr xxxxxxxx was very kind especially as I had to ask about reinstating a repeat prescription after my examination.

I explained that my job involves a lot of travelling, so arranging to collect it can be tricky. So she arranged for the medication to automatically be sent to the pharmacy for 6 months where a family member could collect it for me ready for when I’m back for a few days. But she said I needed the required annual blood test for this medication first as I hadn’t had one for some years. This was going to be another stumbling block for me to arrange as I would be away again in a couple of days. I called reception the next day (I’m afraid I don’t know the name of the lady I spoke to) but I said I know this is a very long shot but was there any chance you had a cancellation today for a blood test, I explained that I was leaving again the next day, she was understanding and said she would check for me but came back to say unfortunately there wasn’t anything. I asked if it was still the case at Southampton Hospital that I could turn up with the form and wait, she said she thought so but would check. She came back and told me they no longer did this, but she gave me another number to call (I think it was Lymington Hospital) about an appointment with them.

I called this number and spoke with yet another very nice, helpful lady who said she would check for me, she was gone a little while but again there was nothing available for that day, however she said she had found one appointment at RSH hospital but I needed to be there in about 40 minutes, I was delighted with this and said I can be there in time and thanked her very much.

When I was on my way I had another phone call from the same lady at the practice, she had taken the trouble to actually find me an appointment at the surgery for the blood test that afternoon as well. I was honestly blown away by her kindness and efficiency. I did explain that thanks to her previous help I was already on route to an appointment.

I was so impressed with all the interactions I had from start to finish, I know there are many moans from people, particularly aimed at receptionists and secretaries who are constantly juggling too many balls in the air and who I believe have an extremely difficult job. I’m generally a very positive person and I believe in speaking to people with respect and understanding, if more people did that perhaps they would also find that people are far more inclined to go the extra mile when they’re not being shouted at and abused when you’re just trying to do an already difficult job the very best you can.

So thank you very much indeed for the all round great service!!