"Shocking"

I wish we were not stuck with this surgery. It is IMPOSSIBLE to get an appointment - the only way to do so is to get to the surgery gates at 7.30am and sit for ONE HOUR to wait for them to open. You need to get there early to ensure you are near the front of the queue to be within a hope of an appointment. Even at number 1 in the queue you often have to wait an hour or two for an appointment. It is farcical to expect unwell and elderly patients to wait outside in the dark and cold.

The reception staff are the rudest people I have ever encountered. I had a bad infection and went into the surgery to practically beg for an emergency appointment. I was rudely told there wasn't one. I went back to my car and called NHS 111 to be told my GP had to see me due to how unwell I was. I went back in to be welcomed with the words "oh it's you again". I relayed the 111 advice to be told "you know you can't be seen today". I was standing crying and was showed no compassion. I went back out and called another local surgery in desperation. They answered their phone immediately (Thank you) and were appalled at what I told them. In fact the service manager was so horrified she called the practice manager of The Limes herself. I then went back in to The Limes and was told by another receptionist that I now miraculously had an appointment. It is an absolute disgrace to have to go to such lengths to see your doctor. Once I saw a doctor (who generally are very good) they said if I had not started antibiotics that day i would have been in hospital.

Forget trying to phone the surgery as it continually rings out.

Most of the GPs, when you actually get to see them, are good. Especially one particular doctor who is continually helpful.

I also work within the NHS and understand the desperate underfunding, however train your receptionists in some basic social skills and properly manage your booking system. Things need to change before something awful happens. It puts me and my partner (who has a chronic condition) off seeking medical support when it is such an ordeal to get seen. If all other local surgeries weren't full I would not hesitate to leave.