"My experience over 30 years."

I have been registered with this Practice for more than 30 years, and my most recent visit was 3 May 2018. I have always had excellent treatment. The two nominated doctors who have had me in their care during this period have been marvellous. They listen, they explain, and I always feel that I am important to them, not “just another patient”. There is, understandably, often a wait if I want to see my nominated doctor, but professional care is available when needed. On the occasions when I have needed urgent attention I have always been able to see the duty doctor within a few hours and have received the help needed. Consultations with the duty doctor are always brought to the attention of my nominated doctor, who will follow up and contact me if appropriate. When hospital appointments have been needed these have been arranged quickly.

The nursing staff are very professional, alert and proactive. On a recent visit for routine blood tests and an ECG, the practice nurse had me seen immediately by the duty doctor because she was concerned about the ECG result. Following this my nominated doctor discussed the findings with a consultant and adjusted my medication to minimize the possibility of a stroke. This is just one example of the care provided by the team of overworked professionals at Didcot Health Centre.

The reception staff seem to take a lot of stick in patient reviews. Perhaps some patients are not polite in their dealings with these hard-pressed helpers? I have always found them extremely helpful. I recently had a problem when I forgot to renew a repeat prescription in time, and needed the medication urgently. The receptionist printed the prescription, and got it signed by one of the doctors in minutes, much to my relief. No rebuke, just going the extra mile to help. The only time a receptionist at this practice did tell me off was when I sought an appointment with the duty doctor because I had presented symptoms of a TIA 48 hours earlier. I was very correctly told that I should have sought help immediately, not waited until after the weekend. I won’t complain about that.