"Excellent and efficient care from this practice"

We have been cared for by this practice since coming to Reading in 1983 (having previously been their patients in 1978-9 while I was studying at the university).

We have always had excellent care from the practice.

Appointments are easy to make, especially via the online Patient Access site if one needs an appointment on the day. (Outside that system, appointments, especially with a named doctor, tend to require a longer wait.) The practice sends out SMS reminders of appointments, which is also helpful, and communications with/from the practice are typically efficient.

Waiting times in the surgery are usually short. As with most GP practices these days, doctors tend to come and go, though several have been with the practice for a longer period, to provide continuity.

Our recent experiences with the practice have been really good.

For example, in my case, a troublesome problem with my joints, which threatened to derail a long-anticipated holiday, was quickly diagnosed by a really excellent GP, who then organised relevant blood tests and then treatment in time for me to go on the holiday pain-free.

I was really impressed by the care and thoughtfulness shown by this GP, who also arranged an early review of the treatment for me, as well as additional tests to rule out possible other causes of the symptoms.

The doctor also took time to give clear explanations of my problem and its treatment.

This was personal care of the highest order.

This doctor kept me waiting a bit for my first appointment, and apologised for this, but explained that they (I'm being gender-neutral here!) had had to give some difficult news to a previous patient and needed more time with them: I was so impressed by this!

This is not the only example of good care I have had at this practice: my wife and I have felt that we are in good hands, which matters a lot as you get older.

We are also impressed by the efficient system of appointments with practice nurses (all very pleasant to deal with) for minor problems, blood tests etc.

Online liaison with our chosen local chemist with regard to prescriptions functions extremely smoothly.