"Mixed feelings but doctors excellent"

Been here since moving to Bramley in 2004 from a much smaller home surgery so the lack of personal contact was a shock. Even my uni surgeries which were huge had a more welcoming atmosphere. Have seen many changes over the years as they try and please everyone which will always be difficult.

Main issues are when you are poorly, getting appointments and dealing with receptionists. On the whole reception is far better than it used to be. Certain doctors (most of them tbh) do fantastic work in often trying circumstances.

But if you have mental health problems I'd suggest going elsewhere.

I once rang up suicidal and the girl I spoke to couldn't even signpost me for help.

I actually refused to put the phone down to see what would happen. Nothing.

It was very disturbing.

I would have left on many occasions if not for 2 particular doctors who've seen me through physical and mental battles with compassion (and giving me appointments so I'd be able to actually see them again).

Many times the only way I've been able to get an appointment is using the online system which works if you have the capacity and ability to use it. Most of my emergency appointments have been booked this way because it's the only way to get one.

Trying to book an appointment for my partner who works full time has always been an issue as well although this is improving with late weekday and weekend appointments. Telephone appointments are also available but as with all things you have to know about them to ask about them.

I had a bad experience with one doctor but pretty much every health professional I have seen there including hca's, physios etc have been good.

However when my mental health has been at its worst the barriers to getting seen are insurmountable so when I've desperately needed help I can't get it. I'd suggest mental health training for phone and reception staff and an understanding that poor mental health does not equate poor intelligence. The woman's voice on the automated phone system makes me want to scream too but that's another story!

I also struggle with sensory overload in the waiting room. It's so noisy, the repetitive screen with the same information on loop and uncomfortable chairs when there's a much bigger waiting room, usually empty with better chairs down the corridor. There have been times when I've sat there in tears of utter desperation while the reception staff laugh merrily behind me.

All in all my review has good and bad because of my own experiences and the only reason I wouldn't recommend someone joining is because this practice is already far too big to cope with the patients it has.