This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

Terrible!

Story from nhs.uk

"Terrible!"

About: The Dove Medical Practice

Trying to get an appointment is impossible at this surgery. You are left on hold for ages. Then even if you get through, you have no choice (unless you're extremely lucky) but to see any DR available. You then have to wait at least an hour past your appointment time to be seen whilst you sit in the most uncomfortable chairs waiting.

Then when you do get to see or speak to a Dr, they lack ANY compassion, Empathy and are RUDE. Why treat patients in that manner? I am sure I speak for any patient alive, nobody asks for illness or want to be ill. Empathy and compassion can go a long way in helping the healing process. I understand Drs may be under stressed and under staffed BUT it is wholly unfair to take it out on sick vulnerable people who only visit Drs to try and find a solution to their predicament.

More about:
nhs.uk logo
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from The Dove Medical Practice 5 years ago
The Dove Medical Practice

Submitted on 04/12/2018 at 08:35
Published on nhs.uk at 11:33

Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback.

First of all, we would like to address your concerns regarding the appointment system. Please be aware that we are constantly looking at new ways to improve the system. We understand that the appointment system does not work for everybody and we are always looking for suggestions to help improve access for our patients.

We apologise that you have found it difficult to get through on the phone. We do realise that the phone lines can be very busy in the morning and we do try to have as many staff members as possible answering the calls to minimise your wait time. We also offer online access to book your appointments which may save you time waiting on the telephone.

We also now offer a walk-in service on a Friday morning whereby you can arrive at the surgery before 10.30am and you will be seen by a doctor on the same morning. There may be a wait but we feel that the service is improving access for patients who have been unable to get an appointment and it has so far received very good feedback.

We have also joined the extended access programme in the Kingstanding area. We now offer GP appointments between 6.30pm and 8.00pm on weekdays and 10am to 1pm at weekends. These appointments are available at the Oaks Medical Practice in Great Barr. This is a great choice for working people who are unable to attend the surgery during the day. These appointments are available to book in advance. Please ask reception for more information.

We hope that these changes will improve the service that you receive. We do acknowledge the difficulties that you have been having.

We are concerned regarding your comments about doctors being rude and lacking compassion. I would be grateful if you could contact the practice manager to discuss this further.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback.

Dove Medical Practice

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k