"Hit and miss!"

I moved to this practice from another one several years ago when I moved house. Much worse by comparison, run more like a business then health service.! I understand all organisations are feeling the pinch but this centre is taking things too far when they prioritise their costs over the patients’ wellbeing.

The reception staff at the satellite centre at Bathampton are unprofessional at the least and down right rude at the most. They have spoken rudely to me but what I found appalling is witnessing their rudeness towards an elderly and hard of hearing patient. One receptionist is especially rude and unpleasant, giving you the impression you are bothering and inconveniencing her when it’s her job to communicate with patients! Terribly unprofessional.

The telephone system is also hit and miss. Sometimes you get a call back within the hour, sometimes not until late in the afternoon. I miss the old walk-in-and-wait service. Admittedly for children they call back faster but it always ends up with going over for a check up anyway.

The doctors are hit and miss - one seriously lacks empathy and bedside manners, one is great (I always try to see him), one always recommends to ‘give it time and see how it goes’, lots of locums who haven’t glanced at your notes and don’t inspire confidence in their ability.

I’m sticking with this surgery whilst my children are so young due to practical aspects like proximity, in-house pharmacy and parking (and the one great doctor) but considering moving back to my old surgery if it gets worse.