janduplessis886/england-nhs-gp-reviews huggingface dataset:
GP surgery review: sandgate-road
Title: Appointments nightmare
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: August 2023
I've been trying for weeks to get an appointment. I went to the surgery in person but was told to phone. Like hundreds of others I joined the endless queue on the phone without success. I joined Patient Access to get an online appointment but discovered that this surgery does not provide that. After many attempts, I was thrilled to get on to the e-consultation site. Having filled in all the details, the site in effect told me my symptoms were too serious to be dealt with by e-consultation and that I must see a doctor!!!! It said that by ending the e-consultation I was accepting that none of what I had filled in would be sent to the surgery and that I had to make an appointment to see a doctor. It was too late by then to join the impossible phone queue. It is like a Kafka nightmare getting an appointment at this surgery. I will probaly have to go to the walk-in--how does that help the NHS? We are always told it is vital to catch illness early but GPs are the gatekeepers and it is impossible even to see one. If patients ever get to see a doctor, their condition will be far worse due to the extreme delay. Again, how does that help pressures on the NHS? [The contact I have had with the nurse and others at the surgery has been good.]
GP surgery review: sandgate-road
Title: Awful
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
Can't get an appointment , have been trying for the last 3 months. Have been told to ring at 8am every morning, which I told the receptionist that I had been, to which she replied 'you and hundreds of others and that's the problem.' No care, no appointments left at 8am in the morning, when I ring, on the dot. E consults never available at 8am. It's a sick joke and dangerous quite frankly.
GP surgery review: sandgate-road
Title: Please fix your repeat prescription service.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
I handed my repeat prescription request form to a member of staff at the surgery on Saturday 30, September. 

They thought I was there for the flu vaccination, but insisted on taking the form when I said I was not and told me that they would get it to the right person for approval (it’s a controlled drug and the form clearly states whose approval is needed). 

Today (Saturday, 7 October), my pharmacist told me that the prescription had not been received.

I went to your surgery where your receptionist confirmed that there was no record of the form being handed in. And as it's a controlled drug, there is nothing they can do until Monday.

This is not my first incident. Over a little more than one year (not counting today's incident), the form has been left with reception and mislaid, left in the drop-off box and mislaid, or put on someone's desk and forgotten.

When needed, your GPs and nurses have always treated me and my children with compassion, patience, and professionalism. Although, I haven't seen a doctor in years I hope that this is still the case.  

However, I have no confidence in your practice management.

Your receptionist also suggested that I call 111 and try to obtain a short-term emergency supply. However, my pharmacist told that this cannot be done without a prescription from the surgery. 

I'll survive until Monday when I will check that it has been approved and passed over.

Then I will go back to handing my request form to the receptionist personally every month, checking the next day and every subsequent day until I'm told that it has been approved / processed, and then asking my pharmacist to confirm that this has happened.

Because I am certain that unless you change the way you manage repeat prescriptions, this will happen again.
GP surgery review: sandgate-road
Title: Terrible e consulting
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
I have at the recommendation of the GP surgery tried for 5 days to book an e consultation but every single day when I log on between 7:55 and 8 15 am it says all appointments are booked How can that be? Do these app actually exist as I do not know anyone who has successfully got one
GP surgery review: sandgate-road
Title: Shortage of Doctors/Staff
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
Until this surgery appoints more doctors /staff there will be no changes to the awful service we are all experiencing. I’ve been told  only 2 doctors at practice .
GP surgery review: sandgate-road
Title: Can I get my prescription?
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
Prescriptions are not for fun. I need my medication. Week after week I come in to the surgery, I fill in the forms, I phone the surgery, I check with the pharmacy...no prescription! The number of times I have been told it has been lost. Today I am out of my medication and the prescription is supposed to be with the pharmacy today, but, no prescription! And Wednesday is surgery training day, I have  no way to contact the surgery to ask what has happened to my medication. Prescriptions are not for fun, they are needed medication. When the surgery fails to provide the prescription it causes complications for the patient. Please resolve the constant problems with creating and delivering prescriptions.
GP surgery review: sandgate-road
Title: Appalling waste of tax payer's money
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
I registered Folkestone Sandgate Rd surgery in 2020.  I have not been able to book an appointment with a GP since.  Their standard play is to send people to the Folkestone Victoria walk-in service.  I told the walk-in attendant that "my surgery" sent me there and the attendant complained that is all they do.

Why does the surgery pay for a "receptionist" that can't book appointments?

The walk-in sent me back to the surgery as a I need a referral for a specialist.  So I am doomed.
GP surgery review: the-new-surgery
Title: what is the point
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: January 2024
Phoned the practice the call was answered after 30 minutes. Quite quick for them. I've had severe back pain and been unable to move for a few days. I was told by by the receptionist, who seemed very unconcerned, that I could book an appointment for the 22nd of January or I could go to the surgery in the morning with the possibility of maybe, perhaps, seeing a GP.
The practice is worse than useless.
GP surgery review: the-new-surgery
Title: Poor communication, limited appointments
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: December 2023
Attended practice due to chronic asthma (potential chest infection?) so needed to see a gp. It’s normal to have to wait 10 deep in queue outside this practice prior to 8.30am opening for the possibility of a same day appointment. Couldn’t wait outside in cold due to breathing issues so attempted tel call to no avail, lines busy (not unusual). So attended in person at 9am. Receptionist was friendly and courteous but stated no appointments left and no telephone appointments for 11 days, even informed that locum gp has had to be brought in to contend with high volume of e-consultations so doubtful of call back. As gp practice unable to give a timely appointment I requested if I could be referred to emergency gp at Folkestone walk-in service due to breathing issues but not 999 need, appointment made. I attended in good time to be told no appointment had been made, hospital receptionist rang my gp practice who then stated this appointment was at sandgate rd  practice  (I was not advised of this) Hospital receptionist req my surgery inform sandgate rd surgery I was on my way but now going to be late. I attended sandgate rd, receptionist very helpful and caring, waited another 45mins to be seen by regrettably a very rude gp who narked as I left next time be on time for your appointment as you have now caused me to be backlogged with my patients. When your Ill (I couldn’t breathe very well and had limited ability to communicate, but did state that I was sent to the wrong health service), I didn’t have the fight to complain further to this rude gp (or waste any more of her time) and noted reception was too busy on my departure. However this experience was greatly upsetting and has really stuck with me. I understand health services are under great pressure especially in winter, but this type of patient delivery has to change. We do pay for this service via our taxation so is it to much to ask to gain some benevolence? I greatly value the Nhs and question if it’s being ground into the ground for its patients to be forced to pay privately for their care, in addition to what is taken at point of salary.  Very sad times. Learning need for better communication, more funding and retraining in gp care in this case.
GP surgery review: the-new-surgery
Title: Poor Experience
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
This practice is so frustrating you wait forever on the phone to speak to someone. Then you are subtly told use e-consult because they never have appointments available. E-consult is only open for an hour a day (Which makes no sense). Then the automated message from the e-consult says someone will be in touch the next day. Unfortunately what happens is the e-consult then takes a week for a response (Unfortunately this is not the first time this has happened.)

It incredibly frustrating every time you phone the surgery you are on hold for 20-30 mins just waiting for the phone to picked up. 

I ended up using the 111 service and spoke to a GP within 2 hours. I wish I did this sooner. I wish this practice would be more helpful if they can't help tell you to use 111. 

This GP Practice really needs to improve. We have limited option in Folkestone so we can't just leave
.
GP surgery review: the-new-surgery
Title: Good service
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: September 2023
Following a telephone consultation with a Hospital Consultant on the morning of Thursday 7 September, when I was advised I needed a blood test, and was also advised that I needed to regularly take medication for my problem. The consultant advised he would contact my GP surgery to advise them. That afternoon I was very pleased and surprised to receive a text message from one of the Drs at the Surgery, asking me to pick up a blood test form from reception. Also at the same time, upon checking my repeat prescriptions on line, the medication I needed had been added to my repeat prescription list. 

Thank you to all concerned for such a quick response. 

Best wishes
GP surgery review: the-new-surgery
Title: Disappointed
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: September 2023
I've been with the New Surgery for forty years. During this time I've suffered several serious illnesses and, to be fair, up until about four years ago was well looked after.
Things have changed  -  certainly not for the better. Everyone of their patients I've spoken to is unhappy with them.
Monday my wife took my urine sample, which was very obviously contaminated, to the surgery and left it for testing. A few days later I found a text message saying that the sample had been disposed of as it hadn't been requested by the surgery. 
Yesterday she took a new urine sample (mine) to a pharmacy for testing as I was led to believe they did some minor jobs for surgeries. She was told they used to but this was no longer an option.
The sample was then taken to the surgery in the hopes that it could be tested while she waited. The surgery was empty and a dip test would take less than two minutes. No, she was sent home to ring 111.
Thankfully I received help within the hour and medication was sent to my home. The doctor was concerned that delay could cause sepsis.
I know some NHS departments are fed up with this surgery passing their work on to them instead of dealing with it themselves.
GP surgery review: the-new-surgery
Title: Getting an appointment is impossible
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
Trying to get an appointment either on the phone or via e-consult is almost impossible! I spent an hour on the phone today at 12pm (apparently number 10 in the queue) only to be told there were no appointments available for the afternoon surgery. So less than 10 on the day appointments available then?! I’m sure the reply will state there’s a high demand at the moment. 

E - consult - fine if you are available to fill it in during the one hour slot given. Even then you’re lucky to hear back by the time specified. 

This surgery has really declined since the pandemic.
GP surgery review: the-new-surgery
Title: Reception/Telephone
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
I have never been treated with such blatant disrespect. I attended, feeling awful only to be greeted with a male receptionist who couldn't care less about his customers. He was on his phone when i arrived and i had to actually do a fake cough to even get him to look at me. When i said i was here to check in, he said 'name?', no pleasantries. He barely looked at me and had absolutely no interest in me or what i wanted. No sooner had i left the desk, was he back on his phone again.  2 days after my appointment, i had to call to book a diabetic check up and unfortunately for me, who should answer? Again, same monotone 'How can i help you?', no empathy and that complete lack of any semblance of care. I must say, all of the other staff i have dealt with have been fantastic. Ask how you are, cheerful and bubbly. Always makes you feel better when the person that it supposed to be helping you, at least sounds or looks like they care. Maybe your new recruitment needs looking at or at the very least some training because he clearly wanted to be there less than i did. Not the right role for a person who lacks empathy. A big thank you to the wonderful Doctor's and Nurse's whom always seem happy to help.
GP surgery review: the-new-surgery
Title: Total shambles
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
One star is still too much. Call repeatedly at 8.30 and you'll often be trying for 45mins to an hour. Usually unable to get an appointment. Online booking doesn't work and there are never bookable appointments available in the NHS app. Over 400 call attempts on 14 Apr 23 then spent 25mins on hold in a queue. Pretty ridiculous.
GP surgery review: the-new-surgery
Title: Issues now sorted.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
I've received a call from the surgery today and they have explained everything to me and sorted issues I had with them. Very helpful friendly service today thank you.
GP surgery review: the-new-surgery
Title: Disappointed
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
I attended a hospital because I am in chronic pain and was told to speak with my GP practice as an x-ray would probably be needed. I called to be told if I want an appointment I have to call at 8.30am or 12.00pm but appointments go fast. I was told the only other way was to use E-Consult between 11am and 12pm or call 111. I asked a pharmacy if they could help and they have given me the strongest painkillers they can and advised seeing a doctor. It seems impossible to see anyone these days so after working all my life and paying into the system I'm left to sit in pain, I'm one unhappy pensioner.
GP surgery review: kingswood-surgery
Title: A great practice because of wonderful staff
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: November 2023
I contacted the surgery at 8am today and was advised, by the receptionist, to complete and email a review form stating the reasons for requesting to speak to a doctor. I did this and received a reply with an hour. The doctor had clearly understood my symptoms and listened, carefully, whilst I further explained their effect. I am now, at 11 o'clock, going to collect my prescription - having first checked that the Pharmacy have received instructions from the surgery. The doctor also gave me a code to apply, at the pharmacy, if I need further treatment. A totally professional, caring and competent response from my surgery and pharmacy. Thank you
GP surgery review: kingswood-surgery
Title: Very unhelpful receptionists
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
I called to speak to the receptionist for an emergency repeat prescription, needed this to stop excess loss of blood during my period, I had used this for a while and it was on the system, I had only recently run out and was always anaemic and waiting for a surgery. 
The lady at the reception asked what happened to the last one I was given, I informed her that my surgery the month prior was cancelled on other health grounds and the surgeon had encouraged I optimise the use of the medication to encourage coagulation. 
she became visibly upset, asked why I would not compete the eConsult to which I apologised and explained that I was worried due to urgency, and she became outrightly contemptuous, she appeared to absolutely hate her job and hated speaking to me on the phone which was absolutely troubling. I struggled to keep myself from crying, but I felt really uncomfortable. 
She later put my request prescription through, she hung up on me before I could finish so I later called to speak to the manager, after many attempts of us missing each other’s calls, the manager left a voice message to say she had listened to the voice call and could tell the receptionist was a bit frustrated but maybe not at me and wanted to know how I intend to move the issue forward. 
When people are unwell or going through difficult times like we all do, I think it's really important we understand and not make things worse for them and whilst there is no way of telling who is going through what, a patient who phones into a gp practice needs nothing but help with their problems and not finish a call in tears or be made to feel even more helpless. 
That said, I have met brilliant receptionists at the same GP and the doctors are absolutely amazing in my view.
GP surgery review: kingswood-surgery
Title: Before Covid practice was ok, not so now
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
I feel care at the practice was, prior to Covid lockdowns, ok. Not great but passable. Now it is very poor. Phone appointments are hopeless, waiting times terrible. I’m going to try an alternative practice, can’t be any worse. I no longer feel safe.
GP surgery review: kingswood-surgery
Title: Great Doctor
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
My new named doctor has been wonderful over the past few months. She listened to the problems I had been having and immediately spotted something wrong. After an emergency operation my doctor checked on me whilst I was in hospital and continued to check on me when I arrived home. I find her caring and supportive - she is exactly what a good doctor should be.
GP surgery review: kingswood-surgery
Title: Excellent Practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
We have been patients at Kingswood for 48 years & have always been very happy with the excellent service received. Recently I woke feeling unwell, called the surgery at 08.30, & told I would be contacted that morning. At 09.45 a Paramedic working in the surgery called me & after a conversation invited me to attend the surgery at 12 noon to see a doctor. This I duly did & the problem was resolved. I consider myself fortunate to be a patient at this surgery.
GP surgery review: kingswood-surgery
Title: Not such a great practice since pandemic & extra housing.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
Pleased to say that if considered urgent, I've been seen in 24 hrs. Happy with telephone appts but not  with a 'call back' that day, which meant I couldn't leave home for any reason for 8 hours. Medical attention always good. Used to have appt within a week but now too long a wait. Probably aggravated by all GPs working part time, I believe. All staff friendly & helpful.
GP surgery review: kingswood-surgery
Title: Great Practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2023
Twice recently I have needed an appt. The first I requested by e-consult & a GP contacted me that day by tel, arranged a blood test within days and a follow-up face-to-face appointment the next week. I was amazed, knowing full well how hard appointments are to make like that, being a GP receptionist myself!
The second time I rang in after a bank holiday asking for a telephone appointment and a paramedic rang me back within the hour.
I have been a patient at Kingswood nearly all my life and have always been grateful to be one. 
Thank you.
GP surgery review: lonsdale-medical-centre
Title: Great people
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
After living in many areas of London for years, I can only say that this practice is how the others ones should be. From the moment you talk to the receptionist to arrange an appointment to the actual visit, the people of this practice just seem to their job well. Since I need to take an injection  every so often, my experience has always been brilliant, from the receptionists, the kind and professional nurses to the doctors updating my records, I can only say thank you.
GP surgery review: lonsdale-medical-centre
Title: Fantastic practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2022
I have always had a positive experience with Lonsdale Medical Centre since registering around 5 years ago (I moved areas), but after another wonderful experience today I wanted to leave a review because this practice deserves recognition for how they treat their patients. 

Today I had a blood test with the phlebotomist, I have an awful phobia of needles (I know it’s irrational), so I always put blood tests off but the hospital had asked me to have these done and so today was doomsday! The phlebotomist who carried out my blood test today was amazing! They were so kind and calm, I wasn’t made to feel silly or rushed. They were also very gentle and super speedy. It was over in seconds and didn’t hurt at all, it’s mind over matter with these things and I was allowed to look away and listen to my music whilst the blood was taken which really helped distract me. I still felt a bit unwell after it was over, it’s like a wave of relief for me that makes me feel lightheaded, the phlebotomist was kind and understanding, checking I was ok and not rushing me out of the room so I could have a drink and compose myself. I honestly would book all future blood tests with this one person if I could guarantee it, this blood test experience was so unlike any I have had before. Thank you! Thank you for the patience, kindness and understanding. I can’t explain how much it meant to me today. Although I haven’t beat my phobia, I won’t delay blood tests in future. 

I always feel so well looked after at this GP practice and today was just another example of why that is. Thank you! Generally the practice is always welcoming and helpful, I never struggle for advice or appointments when needed and the friendliness of all employees goes such a long way, particularly when you’re feeling unwell and worried. 

When I was unwell a few years ago two different GPs dealt with me and they were both wonderful, empathetic and really pushed for my diagnosis including calling me late in the evening to discuss next steps and encourage me to take it seriously (to the point I felt as though the GP cared for me and my well-being as an individual and not just a patient on the books), in turn this resulted in a quick and early diagnosis of a chronic illness and I credit the care and quick action of those GPs with why I am so well and in remission today.

Every team member makes this practice what it is - exceptional! Every time I phone I am met with a friendly and kind voice on the other side. I can only imagine what a tough and unforgiving job it can be some days, but I hope a comment like mine can highlight how valued the entire team are, because this practice really makes a difference. Going to the doctor isn’t usually a pleasant experience and can be a time full of worry, but the team at Lonsdale Medical Centre make you feel safe and cared for. It is so appreciated and valued. A credit to the NHS, we are so lucky.