"Used to be great. Now dreadful."

I have been a patient at this surgery for nearly 30 years. When I joined it was a nice friendly practice. Receptionists were helpful and tried to help you. You always got to see your 'own' doctor or one in the practice but more importantly you actually spoke to the Doctor in person so you could talk through your health issues and have your fears allayed if you were worried. Back to the present day - I can't get to see the GP who has treated me all my life. I have to call constantly from 8:00 a.m. to get a telephone audience. If after speaking to me he may let me come in and see him. Receptionists (not all) give you incorrect information about calling for appointments and when certain doctors are in. At times they have been rude and obnoxious to both myself and my daughter and love to talk over you when you are trying to explain why they need to veer from their script. I understand they follow guidelines but treating someone courteously costs nothing. However, the worst and saddest aspect of all of this is the impersonal telephone calls and important health concerns delivered over the telephone. In my case and my daughter's as with many other people - we work. It is often difficult to have a private conversation. You can't think the same over the telephone especially when you are getting concerning news and also trying to avoid being overheard. I have been telephoned after managing to see the nurse or doctor in person for my blood test results only to be told by another doctor in the practice days or weeks later something is wrong. Great message being told to await a call from your GP because your blood tests are abnormal. Then waiting all day for them to call.

A sad testimony for what was a great practice.