janduplessis886/england-nhs-gp-reviews huggingface dataset:
GP surgery review: james-wigg-practice
Title: Won’t help because I have a physiotherapist
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
I’ve had been in physiotherapy for two years, and my knees are getting worse and worse. But a and e won’t help and the gp says because I have a physio there is nothing else do them to do. Walking is becoming harder and harder and all I want is help.
GP surgery review: james-wigg-practice
Title: Refuse to help me with knee pain
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
I called the practice a number of times over the last two years about knee pain, and it has got to the point where I am struggling to walk because of the pain. I have also been in physiotherapy for most of that time and because of that they refusing to treat me, my condition is getting worse and they will just refer to or ask me questions about what my physio is saying. My physio things I may have a cartilage issue, inflammation issues. But the doctors won’t even refer to the pain clinic when every step I take hurts. I can’t live my life on painkillers and depressed because I’m always in pain. All I want is help.
GP surgery review: james-wigg-practice
Title: No listening to patient experience and no learning
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
Describes itself as a learning practice but took no notice of patient reviews on this site or Care Opinion - despite telling us as patients to come to this site and comment.
Refused us to make an appointment to see a GP when I have a serious life long condition where I know what care I need . Blood tests never reached my records. Like others I was told to chase hospital reports myself and treatment and medication was delayed for weeks because of this. The GP has contact teams in hospitals there to try sort these issues but didn't contact . 
Now has introduced 'total triage' which is basically the practice still refusing to see patients unless they have a telephone assessment by a clinician first.
Which, as pointed out to them by so so many just isn't possible for the most unwell,the most vulnerable,  the most disadvantaged. 
Listening and learning? Not in our experience.
GP surgery review: james-wigg-practice
Title: Not trauma informed
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
Telephone appointments can often be totally inappropriate and even unsafe.
Instead of opening up more face to face appointments the practice instead put in additional barriers at the point where patients are often at their most fragile and vulnerable and at risk.
It now demands that all patients undergo not one, not two but three telephone assessments. Its called telephone triage. 

You can't phone and get a face to face appointment. You can't go in and book an appointment. 
Because I can't bear to,or don't feel safe to,or feel too much shame to list the most intimate private distressing experiences to reception staff, I can't get any GP appointment at all . Not ever. This information is demanded and I was refused because I couldn't face going through this.
 
This system is punitive this system is unsafe and this system has had a really bad impact on my mental health. As a woman and victim of violence these experiences are retraumatising. 
I don't feel I can trust a GP practice that has policies like this.
GP surgery review: james-wigg-practice
Title: Big Improvements
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
Really noticeable difference and improved quality of the practice's handling of callers. Had recent contact with two different members of the practice team - one on call handling, the other a call back response to e consult. Both were excellent. Clear, calm and informed with great customer care skills and communication. Big big improvement. I'd been put off contacting the surgery after lengthy waits and poor quality call management. But they've renewed my faith. Keep doing what you are doing. It is working.
GP surgery review: james-wigg-practice
Title: Appointment system is discriminatory
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
My dad has Alzheimers which is at a very distressing stage for him. He's a very proud and private man who lives alone. He doesn't have carers going in and there is no support for him aside from what we as family do at a distance. The GP knows this is his diagnosis and that he lives alone. He is even on a special register saying he has Alzheimers. 

He is doing his best to maintain his independence and his dignity.
The appointment system now in place makes it impossible for him to do so. It makes it impossible for him to get a GP appointment because he  can't use the phone anymore because of this illness. He hasn't used his landline for 2 years because it confuses and then distresses so much.

We told the practice he couldn't use the phone anymore 18 months ago when we raised concerns about how he was being turned away at the desk. Said then it's policy to refuse to make appointments in person. Now they have the telephone triage which says all patients are required to phone for an appointment and then be phoned back to see if any appointment is permitted. For all appointments not just urgent same day.
So, he as a now disabled man can't make appointments to see his GP. He has a heart condition,  he has had prostate cancer, he has depression. 

Society is judged upon how we treat our most vulnerable. 
This is how he is treated by his NHS GP.
GP surgery review: james-wigg-practice
Title: Miricle in current times
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
I joined this practice in November last year as I was giving up hope and in a serious crisis. I was overwhelmed when I had a face to face with a doctor that listened and wanted to help the turn around has been unbelievable. My experience with James wigg has only been positive. Clear in direction and supportive from receptionists to my gp. After feeling lost and confused elsewhere  hopefully other practices can follow. Trust restored. Very grateful. Thank you .
GP surgery review: james-wigg-practice
Title: Practice in meltdown
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
Everything funelled through a telephone system that is already totally overwhelmed so cant ever get through. Waited 50 mins yesterday for a routine appt. which then has to have another phone call to telephone triage to see if you actually need an appt. Meanwhile online consult form there to relieve the phone system almost always turned off . Patients have to call repeatedly as rarely an appt available. Patients forced in to telephone appts instead of being seen then call back and add to the system collapse. Set up for those well enough and able enough to cope with such stress.
GP surgery review: hanley-primary-care-centre
Title: Not good
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
Not given the correct advice about what availability off treatment on Nhs also not permanent Gps on site and always different Nures the receptionist always helpful
GP surgery review: hanley-primary-care-centre
Title: Completely Unacceptable
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: January 2022
Desperately was trying to get someone to see me for a range of things - prescriptions but also other more pressing issues - but it has been *impossible*. Their app is complete trash and even waking up early, I can never get a spot - not even for someone to talk to me for 2 minutes to prescribe contraceptives. I get that COVID is impacting service, but this is absurd. Will immediately be changing to a different practise, although the local selection doesn't give me much hope... Honestly the whole NHS is such an underfunded mess, it's both scary and heartbreaking.
GP surgery review: ritchie-street-group-practice
Title: Good luck getting an appointment
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: June 2022
The doctors are great once you get an appointment, however getting one is like attempting the crystal maze. Unless you call at precisely 9am (and get through) they won’t see you. Sadly they fail to realise that people do get unwell or things change at other points in the day. 

If you try at another time (even in an emergency for your baby) they will tell you to call 111 or to call back after 6:30 so as to go through the out of hours process that is centralised elsewhere (and not their problem)

At a time when the NHS is funnelling us more and move via our GPs, this surgery’s booking system is not fit for purpose, and actually puts people at risk. We have tried to move to another surgery, however Ritchie street practice seem to have a monopoly in the area. The other surgeries say they get a number of calls from patients of Ritchie street every day asking the same but that we aren’t in their catchment area. 

It’s a great shame as their systems and processes let them down vs the quality of the doctors who work there.
There are two major issues that need to be addressed urgently;
Actually answer the phone (the people are very aware of a technical glitch that can leave you on hold indefinitely - this has been happening for years but they don’t fix it)

Allow people to make emergency appointments throughout the day or do a walk in clinic in the afternoons - their current attitude to send people elsewhere is wrong and not something other practices do
GP surgery review: ritchie-street-group-practice
Title: Post-Covid hangover?
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: June 2022
We all support and love the NHS but now we are sadly being let down by Ritchie St admin. No appointments, no seeing doctors, long phone queues, phone calls cut off, routine difficulties, daily frustrations: all lead to increased pressure on staff, nurses, patients, doctors. Why call at 8am for same day phone appointments so phones are busy? Why no advance appointments? Someone must be gaining from this crazy system - but not the staff or patients.
GP surgery review: ritchie-street-group-practice
Title: Telephone consultation
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
Up to now, I have had little need for a doctor and the times I have had contact with the surgery, it was brilliant. 
However today and only today, I had a telephone consultation that was really unpleasant to the point of rudeness..
I felt I was suppose to just listen and not ask questions. When I did get a chance to ask a question, his reply was, more than abrupt and unexpected. I would not be happy for any further consultation with this doctor..The whole experience was upsetting.
9/3/22
GP surgery review: ritchie-street-group-practice
Title: Infuriating and unprofessional booking system
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
To speak with a doctor about a non-emergency health concern, patients are required to spend up to 30 minutes trying to book a same day appointment at 8 a.m., then given a two-hour window during which a doctor might call. If you miss the call, doctor will leave an unhelpful message, and you have to try again the next day.

There is no reason that a functioning practice should be unable to book patients wishing to discuss routine medical issues with some advance notice. This system is disappointing and disrespectful to anyone who has work or caregiving responsibilities and cannot reasonably spend 2.5-3 hours, multiple days in a row, with no notice trying to tend to an ongoing medical issue. I understand doctors are busy, but so are patients.

This system incentivises patients to ignore troubling signs in their own health as there is no reasonable way to seek care unless you have taken the entire day off work.

Online appointment system is frequently advertised but does not work.
GP surgery review: west-hampstead-medical-centre
Title: Thank you for saving my life
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: May 2022
Thank you to my most amazing, caring, kind, professional GP Dr E & Dr P-V. for saving my life. 
Discharged from hospital after major operation without care plan & left alone to cope on own despite chronic illness/ disability since 22 May.
Phoned/email/ voicemail to every telephone given in discharged document from 23 -27 May but no reponse .  
2 wonderful GPs intervention from WHMC has saved my life yesterday (27 May) due to infection.
GP surgery review: west-hampstead-medical-centre
Title: The best practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: May 2022
Having been able to have a face to face consultation. The doctor was very kind and understood my problem. She listened very patiently, I felt very reassured
GP surgery review: west-hampstead-medical-centre
Title: GP could not care less
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2022
I went in to ask guidance for blood tests and check ups. GP was busy on her computer and called me with 15 minutes delay of my appointment . She gave me her name and asked what I wanted. She did not check who I was, name, age, overall health etc  Any nurse there has more empathy and care for the patient than this gp. I cannot fathom being ill and having to deal with such person.
GP surgery review: west-hampstead-medical-centre
Title: Long waiting hours
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
Have to always wait at least 1/2 hour after my appointment time and if I’m late due to traffic to see the nurse by 10mins my appointment is cancelled and I have to come back again. Also the way we can book appointments is awful, have to either call at 8.30am for morning appointments or at 2pm for afternoon appointments. The reception staff are clearly overworked and become snappy with patients either face to face or on the phone. Doctors tend to be nice but the excuse given for the long waiting time is always ‘Oh we’ve been having a busy day’ as if the rest of us hadn’t or hadn’t have to take time of work to attend the appointment.
GP surgery review: west-hampstead-medical-centre
Title: Great practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
Doctors offer helpful advice and treatment courses. Couldn't have expected better. Fantastic care and service.
GP surgery review: west-hampstead-medical-centre
Title: very helpful
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
Over the years my children and I have seen various doctors and nurses at this practice and are very happy with the practice. Reception have been helpful in getting us prompt appointments and the consultations are thorough, with GPs listening and explaining well, and where needed they have made onward referrals. The repeat prescription service works well.
GP surgery review: west-hampstead-medical-centre
Title: Friendly and efficient
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
Appointment happened on time. Communication was clear and concise. Reception staff were friendly.
Was very grateful to be accommodated for a face to face appointment at short notice.
GP surgery review: west-hampstead-medical-centre
Title: West Hampstead clinic  - review
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
In most cases I was able to get an appointment, and when seeing the doctor I was given a satisfactory consultation.
GP surgery review: west-hampstead-medical-centre
Title: Great practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
The care provided by West Hampstead Medical Centre is consistently excellent, supportive doctors and responsive front office staff
GP surgery review: winchmore-hill-practice
Title: Holiday vaccinations
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
Attended to receive vaccinations prior to forthcoming foreign holiday. The nurse was very friendly, attentive, and provided full and comprehensive information regarding potential health concerns in the region we were travelling to. After giving the vaccinations the nurse went the extra mile in providing very helpful assistance to both my wife and myself regarding ongoing health concerns to which we both needed answers, and arranging a blood test for me that had been omitted some while ago.
GP surgery review: winchmore-hill-practice
Title: The best smear possible
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2022
I cannot praise the nurse highly enough for making this procedure bearable for someone who has consistently avoided it since 2008! I was put at ease and she went out of her way to make sure that it was as good an experience as it could be. I won’t avoid it again thanks to her kind and professional manner. Thank you.
GP surgery review: dr-km-alkaisy-practice
Title: Great practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
Very friendly,listening, helpful and patient involving professional practice. Regularly follow up patients to meet patient needs.
GP surgery review: dr-km-alkaisy-practice
Title: Great doctors
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
I booked my appointment via the patient access app but when ever I need to speak to someone I always receive great service from the receptionists as well as the doctors. They always try to help as best as they can. Great staff and always polite and friendly
GP surgery review: dr-km-alkaisy-practice
Title: Great doctors
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
Both doctors are great, very knowledgeable and sympathetic. My whole family are registered here, and remain here despite us moving house. Keep up the good work!
GP surgery review: dr-km-alkaisy-practice
Title: Great practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
Well experienced and welcoming staff, easy to book appointments and called on time, modern technologies. Only positive experience
GP surgery review: dr-km-alkaisy-practice
Title: Great practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
I always see my new doctor, he listens to me, always helpful, i like the staff, so glad i changed g.p, i cannot fault the surgery.
GP surgery review: dr-km-alkaisy-practice
Title: Drs practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
First visite and was great,changed my drs to my new one and was  sorted without any problems, much better than porters medical centre.
GP surgery review: dr-km-alkaisy-practice
Title: Great practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
Good service, just 10 minutes waiting no rash from the doctors.listen to most of my questions. And send my medication to the pharmacy.
GP surgery review: dr-km-alkaisy-practice
Title: Great practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
Easy to book an appointment. Arrived on time. Waited 15 minutes to be seen. All in all everything was good.
GP surgery review: dr-km-alkaisy-practice
Title: Great practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: September 2023
The practice of waiting until you are called is in practice here and it doesn’t take a long time before waiting patients are called
GP surgery review: dr-km-alkaisy-practice
Title: Good practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: September 2023
Phoned up got an appointment next day to see the doctor went in on time 
Receptionist polite seemed genuinely wanting to help me with my questions 
Doctor had a good manner about him
A pleasant trip to the doctors if there can be one
GP surgery review: omnes-healthcare-ltd
Title: Shocking
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2022
I was meant to have a phone appointment at 10.15am I’ve had no call and it’s now 12.30pm I have been trying to call them since 11.30am and have got no where! This doctors surgery is disgusting and in no way knows how to treat patients!
GP surgery review: omnes-healthcare-ltd
Title: Absolutely and utterly unfit for purpose
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
This practice has not done a single thing in the last 5-6 years to improve their services. 

1) You will have to climb a mountain to get an appointment. 

2) You will have to beg the doctors to hear you out for more than 5 minutes.

3) If you have a mental health issue, do not even bother.

I honestly believe the NHS should visit this practice unannounced and inspect it, because I highly doubt it is fit to look after human beings and their health being.
GP surgery review: omnes-healthcare-ltd
Title: Good Service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2022
I used to wait about 30 minutes on calls last year to get through to child and family but it has greatly improved in the last 5-6 months, The management has also been helpful in dealing with my urgent queries. Doctors as usual are fantastic.
GP surgery review: aurora-medcare
Title: Disgraceful service
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: May 2022
nitial appointment on 4th of May. I rang a
month later.Waiting 45min on the phone, being disconnected 4 times when I was first on the queue and I have told that someone had a task to call me 2 weeks prior but didn’t . Therefore next appointment available is in the middle of July. So if you want to wait for 6 months until someone can see/ call you then join otherwise run as much as you can . Sad part is that the doctors are really good practitioners. They should consider reorganisation of their practice. The actual one is not in patient’ s best interest.
GP surgery review: aurora-medcare
Title: Friendly health care assistant
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: April 2022
It was a pleasure to meet this lady. She look after my dad. My dad cannot stop praising her at home . My dad usually gets anxiety whenever he has to go to doctors. This health care assistant , made my dad felt comfortable and listened to him. She spoke in our own language that was an icing on cake.
GP surgery review: aurora-medcare
Title: Not happy at all
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: April 2022
Went there for first immunisation of my baby, and wait 20 minutes in same waiting area with ill people. It was explained to me that they are running late and they book 2 people for same time. Shame!
GP surgery review: aurora-medcare
Title: Ineffectual & illogical appointment system
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
Their own website states "We run an Advanced Access style appointment. The aim is to provide you with a doctor’s appointment within 48 hours." - This is unfortunately not true - you either have to call repeatedly at 8am for an 'emergency appointment' (which is discriminatory to those unable to do so) and hope you get into the queue and the phone answered before all appointments are gone, or call after 10am to be told that you could have an appointment in c. 6-8 weeks time, but that they haven't opened bookings yet so you have to call back every day until they can book you in, for 6-8 weeks time. 

The e-consult system did used to work well, but lately after you've done an e-consult and any initial basic tests they ignore you and don't do any further investigation into your issue/symptoms. The Dr's on the rare occasion I have been able to speak to them have been very helpful and I understand that like the NHS as a whole they have more patients than they can handle - but the appointment system for this surgery is simply farcical and leaves the local, particularly vulnerable people in dire medical situations. 

Where is the 'advance access' system that you advertise? And surely if someone has a non-emergency medical issue now, 6-8 weeks later by the time you've given them an appointment their health condition would have either got considerably worse, or it'd have resolved itself - then you're left with either appointments that are no longer needed, or people who are much sicker than they were 6-8 weeks prior when they tried to get help.

TLDR - Dr's are good and clearly massively overstretched - but the current appointment system is completely counterproductive and illogical
GP surgery review: aurora-medcare
Title: can not get through
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
been trying to get through on phone i get up to position 1 then cut off  have tried several times over an hour still can not manage to speak to some one why do you keep cutting people off
GP surgery review: aurora-medcare
Title: unable to get appionment
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
had blood test wanted to go through about some of the results with the doctor told not till April, i need to talk to the doctor about alternative  options but receptionist was un helpfull