janduplessis886/england-nhs-gp-reviews huggingface dataset:
GP surgery review: spring-hall-group-practice
Title: Unable to contact, no medication
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
A message was left for me over two weeks ago now to book a blood test for my annual medication review. I am unable to keep my phone with me at work and appreciate that the practise has at least three times tried to phone. However, I have also tried to phone back on no less than six times, spending a total of nearly two and a half hours in total waiting for someone to answer the phone. Its no fun having time and again to listen through the best part of 5 mins of annoying introductions, only then to be chastised by what can only be described at best as an intimidating lecture. Finally then you get in the que where you are then forced to listen continuously to some of the most violent and loud music ever composed. All this, it has to be said, without a que countdown either. It really does feel like it is been made as awkward as possible in order for people to give up and put the phone down (they then wonder why some people are ready to tear into the receptionist after been put through all that). Not rocket science but obviously is to some.
Why, in my case, is it not possible to have a direct number left on the message given by the practise in order to call straight back? After all, the surgery knows what is occurring with my procedure, it would save time on the surgeries part and a hell of a lot of frustration on the patients part. Meanwhile, I still cannot get through today to sort this blood test and my medication ran out three days ago.
GP surgery review: spring-hall-group-practice
Title: A downhill slope
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
Southowram Surgery used to work effectively and quickly, appointments were available and the village health was managed really well.  We moved here 4 years ago and have watched as it was merged with Spring Hall and the service started to deteriorate as appointments were taken centrally as well as prescription services.
So it became much more difficult to get a doctors appointment and often prescriptions were held up centrally causing me some distress.
So, we go through a pandemic which has decimated our NHS resources and caused a deficit in staffing, all of which I completely understand.  
Until recently I have found it relatively easy to get an appointment online with doctors calling me back, albeit not at the time stated which is annoying as I work and am often in meetings.
But now, it is almost impossible to catch the appointments calendar and calling when you are 31st in the queue is not really a great experience.
I stand up for the practice whenever I can as I do believe it is a resource that the village needs but to be told that there is a skeleton staff at a practice that had several doctors in the past is somewhat concerning.  Did we lose all our doctors or are they at other parts of the practice, leaving Southowram short staffed?
I am also concerned about the generic responses to the reviews on this site and wonder if there is something that is taken from the generally negative comments made.
If they are discussed at practice meetings then it would be useful to know what actions are being taken to rectify these issues as it seems to be getting worse rather than better.
GP surgery review: spring-hall-group-practice
Title: Service has gone downhill
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
No doctors, no appointments. Have been trying to get an appointment via Patchs system for past few days and nothing is available even at 8am which is when they supposedly start being available. You can't send messages for prescription requests or admin request any more, which is ridiculous even for their own staff because it means admin staff will be even busier than before. They don't allow you to book slots via the systmone online system any more, again more work for their own staff.

Rang in at around 10:30 to be told no appointments available and all appointments had been taken up by 9:30. They merged about 4 surgeries and somehow have less appointments and worse service than before!

This surgery needs to be revisited by CQC because their care is terrible, they always try and push the issue on to 111 or walk in centres that are 16 miles away, increasing their workload and annoying service users!

The excuse of we have staff absences is ridiculous in a previous comment. Every business has staff absences, you should be dealing with them rather than using it as an excuse. I struggle to see how many staff absences you would have when you have so many doctors across the merged surgeries, including the pharmacist practitioners.
GP surgery review: spring-hall-group-practice
Title: Unbelievable unprofessional and uncaring
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
Mother discharged from hospital. Surgery yet to react to discharge note or follow up on recommendations after 5 weeks. Consultants sent feedback. Also ignored.  Booked telephone appointment never happens.
GP surgery review: spring-hall-group-practice
Title: Shockingly bad
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
The care service provided after the recent merger is non existent, there is no possibility of booking any kind of appointment - it appears that all of the telephone calls, for what used to be 4 GP surgeries, are now answered by 1 receptionist so the average waiting time is 40 minutes just to find out that there is nothing available and you can call, again in 2 weeks. 
I've tried using online services and Patchs app, but the functionality is terrible and there are no available appointments to book.

Extremely disappointing.
GP surgery review: the-boulevard-medical-practice
Title: A GP surgery that doesn't take appointments ???
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: December 2023
Message on the answer machine says "for same day appointments call before 9, for *everything else* call after 9"  I want to discuss a long term health issue that is chronic but not urgent, so I call after 9.  55 minutes on hold and the immediate answer is "we're full today", that's it, no sorry, no thank you for holding nothing just "we're full" and silence.  So I ask,  can I book an advance appointment?  not really, you'd be best calling back tomorrow before 9.  So tomorrow I'll call at 8 prompt and clutter up an appointment that someone who needs urgent attention won't then be able to use?  How is there no method of getting a consultation in advance ?  at all?   How can a GP not take any  appointments for things that aren't urgent? Why are they only providing effectively A and E in slow motion? 

Trying to save everyone time, while on hold,  I went to the website as instructed and tried to ask for an online consult (again, trying to save the surgery time dealing with my pointless call - not an emergency, no need for a same day or face to face, a nurse would be fine)  but that's a one way system - advertised as open from 7am to 6pm but not taking any messages for the rest of today sorry, message again tomorrow for online consultation - surely the point of online is I can leave a message and then you get back to me? 

I can't comprehend how this is efficient or effective for anyone.  I just hope the person who doesn't get their emergency needs met tomorrow so I can talk about HRT doesn't get seriously ill as a result.
GP surgery review: the-boulevard-medical-practice
Title: Master Class In Face to Face Appts!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: November 2023
We saw a Dr this morning in ref to my son’s on going acne and he was exceptional in every way….
Why do I say this ? 

He had read the notes and knew the background (antibiotics / differin etc.) had a welcoming manner, listened, was clear on the three options available, answered my son’s questions and was overall sympathetic, kind yet efficient and direct. 

If he was being assessed on the patient impression of the consultation I would score him a sound 10/10. Well done indeed.
GP surgery review: the-boulevard-medical-practice
Title: Media reports in the bottom 300 practices in the country
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: August 2023
With the awful on-hold music that emphasises how much time you are wasting whilst you are No 67 in the queue at 8.10am, only to be told no appointments today;  the you must now use "Patches on-line" and therefore let Manchester University have access to your files if you want any kind of healthcare provision from this practice (even if you don't use a smart phone or laptop); the failure to provide annual check-ups anywhere near your birthday (like they are supposed to); the failure to arrange repeat dispensing for meds that you will be on for the rest of your life; the rudeness of the reception staff and their inability to actually listen to what you are explaining to them and then when I take the initiative to ask for a blood test, because I know they will stop me getting my meds if I don't have one soon, they book it without even asking me what it's for. What has happened to this practice? It used to be good.
GP surgery review: the-boulevard-medical-practice
Title: Very poor.
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
On Tuesday (yesterday) I called in to the reception at The Boulevard to book an appointment for my 88 year old mother who suffers from Parkinson's, recently had a fall that resulted in a night in hospital and, following X-rays was found to have arthritis in her hip, which explained undiagnosed pain she's been suffering from for a year or so. The hospital suggested we go to the GP for a follow up appointment and to get the appropriate pain meds. After explaining this to the receptionist, I was offered a telephone appointment for her as there were no face-to-face appointments available for several weeks. My mother is hard of hearing and I wanted to make sure that I was able to help her with explaining  her needs and making sure the GP got the full picture of her requirements, so I declined the telephone appointment and was told the only way to get a face-to-face was to call between 0800-0900 on the day we wanted the appointment and then book it. Today, Wednesday, I rang at 08.20 to find I was 18th in the queue, 14 minutes later, when my call was answered I was told all appointments for the day had been taken, and was again offered the facility of a phone appointment, which I again declined. So, I now have to ring again in the morning, or call around at 0800 sharp to be in with any chance of getting an appointment tomorrow, which I'm going to have to arrange around a pre-existing hospital appointment. Why couldn't I have been given an appointment slot when I first called in person yesterday? 
Is this a GP surgery, or a call centre? Why isn't there discretion to offer 88 year patients an actual appointment?
GP surgery review: the-boulevard-medical-practice
Title: Excellent practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: December 2022
I transferred to this practice 3 years ago and it was the best decision.  In my experience I have found all the staff members from reception to medical friendly, professional and go above and beyond to help myself and my family. This is an example of the nhs at it's best. Well done Boulevards and thankyou.
GP surgery review: the-boulevard-medical-practice
Title: No customer service at all, let alone bedside manner
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: October 2022
I was there today to get my COVID jab and Flu jab, both were fine and problem free. However, I have been suffering with a sore throat and spitting blood, you can’t book an appointment online you can’t through the NHS app as both facilities have been disabled. While I was there in person I thought I would try to book an appointment and discovered you can’t in person either. I was advised to ring up and hope for the best and go to A and E if I wanted to be seen earlier. This practice has rocketed down hill in the couple of years I have been with it and I will be changing. You can’t book an appointment unless your prepared to spend your life on the phone and when you get through your told it’s full and try again tomorrow.
GP surgery review: the-boulevard-medical-practice
Title: Poorly run practice
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: October 2022
Unable to book an appointment for one specific requirement till at least mid-December, can't book any other appointments for anything else unless you are able to hang around on the phone for hours first thing in a morning (which is impossible for people with work commitments) as they only offer same day appointment booking.
GP surgery review: the-boulevard-medical-practice
Title: Badly run reception
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: July 2022
Tried to make a payment, waited in the queue for 20 minutes as one gentleman was being served - why was nobody about to help out. Eventually assistance came but was unable to take the card payment as the system would not work and I didn't have enough cash on me. It's not the receptionist's fault but the office/reception has been useless since the merger and it seems to be getting worse, not better. By the time I left without making a payment there was queue of 10 people.
GP surgery review: the-boulevard-medical-practice
Title: Excellently run practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
Staff go out of their way to help . 
Receptionists efficient and intelligent practically and in their  kindly response to patients. 
GPs thorough, informative and insightful. 
All staff do an amazing job handling the expectations of many demanding patients .
GP surgery review: alwoodley-medical-centre
Title: Great Practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2024
Really helpful and friendly receptionist and extremely helpful Doctor. Thank you for all your help today. Cannot thank you enough for your help, after such a stressful morning.  Thank you
GP surgery review: alwoodley-medical-centre
Title: Helpful receptionist
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
Whilst I have sometimes found it hard to contact the surgery for urgent appointments, I recently had a very good experience with one of the receptionists. I had a few matters to sort out and she managed to sort everything in an efficient and friendly manner.
I have also had good experiences recently with using the Patchs system. 
Provided you can get through to the surgery, I have always found them to provide an excellent service.
GP surgery review: alwoodley-medical-centre
Title: GP centred, not patient centred in the slightest.
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: September 2023
Tried to get an appointment in advance at the hospital doctor's request as part of a review of my treatment, but Moor Allerton doesn't offer this as GPs only want appointments booking on the day. 'Patches' system closes within a few minutes of it opening at 8am and by the time you get to speak to a receptionist, all appointments for that day are gone. GPs insist on this process but it certainly doesn't work for patients
GP surgery review: alwoodley-medical-centre
Title: Excellent medical practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
Phoned for advice on Wednesday, got face to face appointment on Thursday, referral, blood tests, X-rays, all done on the spot. Extremely knowledgeable, professional and friendly doctor.
GP surgery review: alwoodley-medical-centre
Title: Great practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
Excellent from speaking to receptionist on arrival to seeing the Doctor,  explaining what could be done to help my symptoms and conditions to prescribing medication and next step to take
GP surgery review: alwoodley-medical-centre
Title: Consistently good care
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
I have been a patient with this practice for around 30 years.  Despite increasing demands on staff time and an increase in patients over the years, the level of care I receive from all staff is really impressive.  I used the new Patchs system today and received a call within 10 minutes of submitting my enquiry and an appointment was offered this afternoon.  The problem wasn’t even urgent.  The reception staff always go out their way to sort out enquiries and are consistently helpful and professional .  Last time I was there the receptionist offered a drink and biscuits to an elderly patient who was waiting for patient transport and reassured her she was next on the list to be collected as she was a bit tired and stressed.  The NHS is stretched to the limit but my experience at the practice is very positive.
GP surgery review: alwoodley-medical-centre
Title: Great service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
Wanting to have my hearing checked I used the online appointment system and had a GP appointment within 2 days. Friendly, professional and caring GP referred me to the ENT unit at Meanwood medical centre. After assessment there, and similarly caring service, I now have hearing aids with the whole process having only taken a couple of months. Thank you.
GP surgery review: alwoodley-medical-centre
Title: Wonderful Doctor
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
The doctor we saw was wonderful, very understanding, kind and friendly. Extremely thorough. We weren’t rushed & would like to always see the same doctor in future.
GP surgery review: alwoodley-medical-centre
Title: Good experience
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
Called in morning got call back lunchtime got appointment in the afternoon saw a good doctor who was very thorough
GP surgery review: alwoodley-medical-centre
Title: Excellent practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
Appointment  went very well. Dr very understanding explained every thing to me .giving  me peace  of mind
GP surgery review: meanwood-health-centre
Title: Excellent service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
My husband has received appointments, treatment and hearing aids through the ent clinic at Meanwood. The secretariat have been extremely helpful, which was much appreciated. The audiology experience was professional with thorough explanations.
GP surgery review: meanwood-health-centre
Title: Great service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: August 2023
I was referred from my own Alwoodley Medical practice to the Meanwood ENT to assess my hearing. From assessment to the fitting of hearing aids was only a matter of weeks and I must say thank you for the friendly, professional and caring service that I received. Very much appreciated.
GP surgery review: meanwood-health-centre
Title: Friendly and supportive staff (despite appointment issues)
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: August 2023
Went to doctor today after not being able to get an appointment previously. I have nothing but praise for the doctor who was super reassuring over my health concern. Understand the pressures on NHS at this time. A solution to the appointments system which seems to be doubling up work load and is very frustrating. Take out the recorded message which says there is a way apply on line (it doesn't work).
GP surgery review: meanwood-health-centre
Title: just try getting an appointment, impossible.
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: February 2023
am told to ring at 8:00 for appointment that day. rang at exactly 8:00. get recorded message saying I am number 53 in the queue. hold on for nearly on hour only to be told that all todays appointments are gone. 
this wouldnt be so bad if not for the fact that this was the forth day of trying, with the same result each time. 
tried phoning in the afternoon, same result. 
tried the new e-consult , temporarily unavailable.
End result was I dealt with a quite intense chest infection without any help fom my GPs of the last 25 years. 
sad, very sad.
GP surgery review: meanwood-health-centre
Title: Amazing, Caring and Friendly Service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: February 2023
Rang for appointment at 8am and seen same day by GP.  Prescription, practice nurse blood test and x ray at Chapel Allerton completed all before lunchtime.  Every staff member I spoke to very friendly and caring.   This is amazing service by any standards.  You have looked after my family for over 30 years.  Thank you!
GP surgery review: meanwood-health-centre
Title: Always good care
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: September 2022
Came in this week with my son. Very quick response to econsult, followed by telephone call and face-to-face review same afternoon.  Really helpful GP. 
Despite all the challenges of the pandemic, you've always been accessible,  professional and helpful for me and my family over the last few years.  
Thank you!
GP surgery review: meanwood-health-centre
Title: Reception staff need to be more polite
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: August 2022
The receptionist's attitude really was bad. The advice on booking appointments is contradictory (apparently I have to wait until the end of the month to book an appointment on the day, even though five other people have booked their appointments in advance!). The online service is also too hard to register with, let alone use. My old surgery had online booking system, why is this health centre creating extra work for itself by using this poor booking system with untrained staff with poor people skills?
GP surgery review: meanwood-health-centre
Title: Excellent Practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: August 2022
Considering the pressures of Covid and overwhelming patient demand, the Meanwood Practice provide an excellent service to those in need of medical care. They are responsive and helpful despite their workload. 
Keep up the good work. Many of us appreciate it.
GP surgery review: meanwood-health-centre
Title: Excellent service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: April 2022
I experienced a problem with my hearing aids this morning, l phoned the practice and got an appointment for 10am. I was called into the consulting room promptly and by 10.15am everything was sorted perfectly. The technician was excellent, she put me at ease and was very approachable and professional, thanks again.
GP surgery review: oakwood-surgery
Title: So disappointed
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: December 2023
18 December
I had been in bed for three days with chest infection/bronchitus. I tried to send a patches message to the surgery on Monday morning but the service was closed. I got out of my bed and went to to the surgery to be told that. O one could see me. A very helpful receptionist suggested I try 111 as they hold bookings for the surgery. I returned home and called 111 the operative felt I needed an appointment and asked me to call and get a time. I tried calling the surgery and was on hold 18 mins. I decided to once again drive to the surgery. I told the receptionist that 111 had sent a. E mail through for an appointment for me. I was told that ‘ there are no appointments and that the surgery does not have an infinite supply’ complete opposite to what the other receptionist had told me. I was asked to take a seat, no information as to what I was waiting for. After about ten minutes of waiting the receptionist said to her ‘co worker I am off home’ she turned to m3 and said that on duty doctor had not replied to her request. I said that I was feeling really ill and would be going home. Once home I was about to phone 111 to let them know that my appointment was not facilitated. Suddenly the one duty doctor from the surgery called me. She made the decision  that it was viral and not bacterial. I explained to her that I am an HCA at a care home and both residents and staff have had similar to what I have. They were all prescribed anti biotics. I also told her that I am on duty over Christmas and need to be well. She offered to listen to my chest. But at this point I just could not go up to the surgery for a third time. This is now my 6th day in bed and I am still feeling dreadful.


 



other
GP surgery review: oakwood-surgery
Title: Excellent practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: February 2023
Thank-you very much for your care. All the staff are amazing; reception team, nurses and doctors. I have always been able to get an appointment quickly and the practice has been very responsive, thorough and attentive to all aspects of care. Kind and efficient staff. I had a basically painless and quick IUS fitting. 10/10.
GP surgery review: oakwood-surgery
Title: Responsive care
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
Just wanted to say thank you for the great care received by the practice.  From my initial phone call to the practice to receiving the script at the pharmacy, the whole process was professional, efficient but most of all caring. Thank you.