janduplessis886/england-nhs-gp-reviews huggingface dataset:
GP surgery review: woodlands-medical-centre
Title: Horrible blood test but lovely receptionist
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: August 2022
Based on just my experience with the practitioner who took my blood I would rate the service extremely unlikely to recommend. I am someone who is nervous about blood tests. When I walked in I wasn’t met with much warmth. The practitioner then expressed that there was no request for my bloods on the system. I explained that I had seen a doctor who had requested it. However, their responses felt like they where accusing me of doing something wrong. They then proceeded to attempt to take blood from me without explaining the process. I have had a blood test before but it really relaxes me when the practitioner explains what’s going to happen. After failing my first arm they said it was an issue that my arm was cold. This was unavoidable considering the air conditioning is on in the waiting area. They asked if I had drank water and I explained that I had drunk a lot in preparation. Again they seemed like they didn’t believe me. They tried the 2nd arm and was again unable and just dismissed me by telling me I need to rebook at reception. As someone who suffers from anxiety, this encounter was  distressing for me. 

However, talking to the reception team was like night and day in comparison. They where  so lovely. They helped me rebook my appointment, sorted out the online issues and my referral. I have to thank all of the receptionist at the surgery as they have always been so lovely and welcoming. I think the practitioner I saw today could do with taking a leaf out of their book. I would recommend the surgery to others but would specifically tell them to ask for a different practitioner to take their blood.
GP surgery review: woodlands-medical-centre
Title: Caring Practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: July 2022
Found everyone helpful even though very busy. Doctors and staff trying to get through as many patients as possible without racing you through
GP surgery review: brookside-practice
Title: Brilliant all round experience
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2024
I have been suffering with eczema and the first 2 steroid creams did not cure the problem. Both times i phoned the surgery and the phone was answered promptly and a very quick appointment was made. On Wednesday 3rd January and as i was passing the surgery i called in to book an appointment. The receptionist was very helpful and patient as i explained my concerns about my hands. She asked a few questions about my situation and the offered me an appointment on Friday 5th January. I was given 2 time slots to choose from and I chose the one suitable for me. At my appointment i had to wait about 5 minutes before i was called in. The nurse was very good and she referred me to the RBH for an appointment to see a Dermatologist. She also gave me prescriptions for antibiotics and a stronger steroid cream. So its the 10th January and my hands are improving daily, not cured yet but I'm on the mend. Thank you Brookside i have been with you since 1985 and you have been there when ever I have needed you.
GP surgery review: brookside-practice
Title: Great practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: November 2023
I have a number of issues and have been blessed in recent times with Brookside doctors evidently troubling to think wisely outside the box as to what could be done to help me, with the effort etc that involved. Indeed I'm also very grateful for the care and creativity I've had over the years from doctor after doctor at Brookside; at least eight come to mind.  A great practice!
GP surgery review: brookside-practice
Title: Brilliant practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2023
I have been very impressed with the attention that I've received. The staff are very friendly, efficient and professional.
GP surgery review: brookside-practice
Title: Great Practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: December 2022
In a time where the NHS and GP surgeries are under a great amount of stress and criticism, I feel it’s only right to recognise when a service does excellent care.
I saw a practice nurse yesterday for, what should have been, a straightforward medication appointment. I discuss the issues I was having as I was unsure if it was normal. The nurse was kind and went to ask a GP associate for some advice, who then promptly saw me during the same appointment. I then saw another GP who gave me some more advice and treatment. As a NHS worker myself I appreciate how precious time is and I didn’t want to take up a lot of theirs. I never felt rushed and felt very reassured when I left. I’ve never had a problem with the surgery and feel they do give some of the best care in the area.
GP surgery review: brookside-practice
Title: Fantastic practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: November 2022
No praise will be enough for the work you do and i hope this little bit of feedback helps -i have had to come in a couple of times over the last few months to this practice and every time the service has been superb. More recently my son came to see the practice nurses and they were brilliant with him
They really took their time making sure he felt safe and gaining a connection with him. i have been with this practice since i was born, it has undergone many changes but what has remained constant is the level of care and quick action when required. i feel so lucky to be apart of this practice and would like to thank all the team , doctors , nurses and other clinicians and non clinical staff. You all do a fantastic job in quite often challenging circumstances. A big thanks once again.
GP surgery review: brookside-practice
Title: Unnecessary text messaging & lack of response
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: November 2022
Received a patronising text message basically asking me not to contact the surgery if I have a if I have a viral   infection.  I would never seek an unwarranted appointment and am lucky be in the position of being a light user of GP services.  I am aware the surgery is under great pressure but feel they are trying to discourage people who may be genuinely ill from seeing health care they need which is not acceptable. 

I also had a message about withdrawing access to my childs digital records once they turned 11.  Called the surgery who said it was nothing to do with them.  The communication had the surgery name on it I confirmed this to them.  Said they would call me back no follow up ever came with advice on what to do & it is more than a month later.  I know this is not an urgent matter but if you send emails at least be able to follow up on them.  Not great service.
GP surgery review: brookside-practice
Title: Appointment and call service
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: November 2022
So I was recently referred for a 2 week wait after experiencing some very nasty effects which I thought could be menopause related turns out ca125 was raised so haf a 2 week referral the hospital treatment I received was amazing. I was advised by the specialist to go back to the doctors to receive an urgent appointment for removal of the coil and replacement, well after 3 calls and 2 hours on hold over 3 days I have finally been told they would have no appointments available till February which goes agains what the specialist has advised. I have no idea what has changed with this surgery's phone/ booking system but it's seriously disappointing you get through to receptionist who can't book as needs to be past to the bookings team who then book you for an appointment you can't make even though you advised the Receptionist morning appointment would be better clearly a big lack of communication.
GP surgery review: brookside-practice
Title: Absence of useful service
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: October 2022
I have received a message about needing a flu shot and a follow up complaining that I still have not had one. The message claims that they have a website that allows booking online but does not specify the Url.
Searching the web it is possible to find a Url which offers a button to book an appointment, but clicking that leads to a text box explaining that most likely I should select an eConsult, but for some special things use the NHS app. Obviously I don’t need a consultation for a flu shot, but flu shots are not listed as a reason to use the NHS app.
This means a phone call whereupon you have to wait for several minutes of explanations of why you should not waste your GP’s time by trying yo phone them, But if you are persistent you can get to an announcement that you are between 7th and 10th in the queue, and since they don’t have many people answering calls (I'm assuming at least one but it’s hard to be sure) this is an all day effort and most people can’t waste all day.
This practice is utterly useless and I wonder how much of our NHS money is being wasted on a non-functional GP surgery ?
GP surgery review: brookside-practice
Title: Online service never good to use
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: September 2022
Hi I’ve contacted the practice 4 times this week about the nhs app not working and with out it I can’t order my medications and no one phoned.
GP surgery review: brookside-practice
Title: Concerning Telephone Reception at the Practice
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: August 2022
This concerns my recent experiences.  Obtaining a response when phoning for an appointment can take a very long time and, in my opinion, it doesn't need to.
Recently I phoned and was told "you are number 3 in the queue".  That part is good and is useful information.  I then held on for 20 minutes to be told I am number 3 in the queue.  Then within another 2 minutes I was answered.
This indicates that the person on the line was not simply booking an appointment and then two more people had their appointment requests handled in one minute each.  
So my suggestion is --- if someone needs an extended conversation about something before the appointment can be booked they should be moved to another extension for that conversation, thereby freeing the line for other patient bookings to be handled. 
I am aware there are other extensions because when first dialling one is offered several options before being offered the appointments extension.
Changing the procedure in the way suggested could help provide a much better service for all.
Regards.
GP surgery review: burma-hill-practice
Title: Appointment system is a shambles
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: October 2022
Appointments are released twice a day and getting one is like getting Glastonbury tickets - near on impossible.

I’ve had results from my midwife that I need antibiotics urgently and I’m told to use push doctor - no appointments and then told to try again later. The only way I seem to get anywhere is to demand to talk to a manager and then some accommodation is made.

Last week my son needed his asthma pump replacing and called at 8.02 for all appointments to be gone but was told someone would call me later that morning. 11am I called to say when I might expect that call to be told the doctors hadn’t shown up that day so no one would call and could I just go to a&e… something I would have done at 8am if I had known!! 

The doctors are brilliant when you do see them and I can’t fault them for this, but the appointment management system needs some sorting as otherwise it’s just unnecessary additional pressure on our local a&e services.
GP surgery review: burma-hill-practice
Title: Terrible practice
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: August 2022
Awful GP, I was pregnant and concerned about bleeding, I didn’t receive a call back when I asked for one, just didn’t seem any urgency and kept calling, then to be told to call back later etc. I went to EPU myself and they got me in for an appt as they were concerned about my bleeding and outcome was sadly a miscarriage. Felt this GP handled it badly and didn’t provide the support they should, made me feel like I was over reacting.
GP surgery review: burma-hill-practice
Title: Following inability to get online support
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: August 2022
After failing to get an e consultation I phoned the practice, the receptionist spoke to the doctor and sorted out a prescription, this was much appreciated
GP surgery review: new-wokingham-road-surgery
Title: Excellent practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: September 2023
Just to say thank you for all the times I have contacted you recently and to say how helpful and pleasant all the staff have been. My medical problems are listened to and good advice offered. The receptionists deal with appointments efficiently. Excellent practice.
GP surgery review: new-wokingham-road-surgery
Title: Lovely receptionists
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: December 2022
First thing on a Monday morning isn't usually the best time to visit a GP practice with a query, but the 2 receptionists at New Wokingham Road Surgery this morning couldn't have been more helpful! Come to think of it, every time I've needed this GP practice the receptionists have been great. So thank you ladies for all that you do for the local community. Best wishes xx
GP surgery review: new-wokingham-road-surgery
Title: Great Reception Staff
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: November 2022
I would like to comment on how kind, helpful and efficient all the reception staff are at this surgery. They are always polite, professional and extremely knowledgeable. They are an asset to the surgery and their hard work is much appreciated. Thank you very much
GP surgery review: new-wokingham-road-surgery
Title: Flu and Covid-19 injections
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2022
A big thank you to all staff and helper for the organised system on Saturday 15 th October 
Well done.
GP surgery review: new-wokingham-road-surgery
Title: Appointments
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
Great doctors but the current appointment system needs an overall. If you need an appointment you need to call at 8am on the day, where there is often a queue. This is not a practical system for people that have to go to or are getting ready for work around that time. Why can’t online appointments be reinstated?  This worked well previously as you can plan your time better and organise the time off work. 
Online booking could be for either telephone appointments or face to face one’s when doctors reinstate them again properly.
GP surgery review: wokingham-medical-centre
Title: Very Professional GP
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: December 2023
Your Review:  Attended a 08:30 appointment this morning 27/12/23 ( day after Boxing Day ) and was met by a smiling and very polite lady GP. We discussed my Cholesterol & Hypertension concerns and queries. The Doctor  took her time to explain my present situation and suggested a plan for going forward on how best to address both the above concerns and how we should monitor in the future. I came away feeling very assured by the consultation and advice I had received from a Doctor who I felt was a credit to her profession and medical centre.
GP surgery review: wokingham-medical-centre
Title: Appaulling
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
Appaulling service from Wokingham Medical Centre. Have been trying for days to contact them but nobody is answering the phones. Have waited in a queue of callers for over an hour and still nobody answers! How are patients supposed to get any kind of treatment or even a response from this dreadful medical centre !!! Their response is that they are sorry and they are working hard to provide a better service, but lastly they don’t have enough staff to support the number of patients as the issue with not answering phones has been going on for months without any improvement. Their CQC rating of ‘Good’ is an absolute joke.
GP surgery review: wokingham-medical-centre
Title: Dreadful service
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
My husband was admitted to RBH for a heart condition early July 2023. His consultant wrote to our GP at Wokingham Medical Centre advising a medication had to be doubled. As of today - 3rd August - letter has not been read and no action taken. Why ?
GP surgery review: wokingham-medical-centre
Title: No communication
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
Over a month it took to get the right medication. The surgery is very poor at communicating and giving appointments when desperate for medication. Big sticker on door saying you can only discuss one problem. Dr refused on appointment not to hear about another serious problem. That not patient care.
GP surgery review: wokingham-medical-centre
Title: Professional & Supportive Team
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
Thank you to the professional, kind and supportive team at Wokingham medical practice.

The care of my elderly mother with home support was excellent from the admin team who took access details to the nurse who provided the Covid vaccine. 

Thank you.
GP surgery review: wokingham-medical-centre
Title: Worst Experience as always
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
my local gp this is the worst gp ever i had I can’t wait to change them. There for I’m living this feedback maybe it may help other people who can’t change theirs.

1. It is alway very hard to contact with them.
2.you call then they never answer or very long wait on the phone.
3. All the doctors seems to give you only paracetamol, it feels they don’t know anything else
4. They given me appointments on Saturday 9am but then i have there they are close no one works on Saturday! It cost me a lots of money. For one day
5. when booking a appointment they always giving you different reasons not to give a appointment or saying there is one appointment available if you can come in 10mins it is like joke.
6. All receptionist seem very angry and upset.
7. When ever you have a appointment they always keep you waiting minimum 20 to 30 mins but it is not a problem for then because we must wait. But if we are late. They keep us waiting longer then 30mins 
8. There is so much i can write in here but it is very upsetting because the way this health service.
Definitely some one needs to go there and check how they work.
GP surgery review: wokingham-medical-centre
Title: I Couldn't Wish For A Better Service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
I rang the surgery on the 5th April, I was given an appointment to see  a doctor that morning, he conducted an examination and arranged for me to have a blood test in 2 weeks time. A few days after this test a doctor messaged me to say that I was to be referred to the hospital. I received a telephone appointment for the 4th May. The consultant rang on that day and we discussed my problem, he concluded that I should go on a course of tablets and that I should attend the hospital for further investigation in 3 months time. All of this was confirmed in writing. 
Today I received a message from a doctor to say that she had authorised my prescription and that it would be available for me to pick up from my nominated pharmacy.
GP surgery review: wokingham-medical-centre
Title: Great Practice & Good use of Technology
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
I just wanted to drop a note of thanks.  I don't go to GP at all (!) but I use the prescription ordering app along with Rose St Pharmacy for my regular asthma medication. This is such a great service and it's so quick and easy to use. I hope you continue to embrace more tech solutions. I also had a great experience meeting your nurse practitioner. Thanks again.
GP surgery review: wokingham-medical-centre
Title: Great Service
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
I have muscle strain in the right should.  I tried to use Voltarol for the past 7 days, but it does not work.  The doctor patiently examine my shoulder and refer me to physiotherapist for further treatment
GP surgery review: wokingham-medical-centre
Title: Excellent Reception Desk Lady
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
I arrived at WMC at 2.05pm for a Bloods Test at 2.15pm on Tuesday 28th March. There was a sizeable queue of patients with various appointments and needs.
The lady on Reception was alone but was so effective at guiding patients to the automated Checkin screens, as appropriate, while dealing with those who needed to fill forms in at the desk, while talking to an 80+ old man to understand his needs for a doctor, so effectively and with such empathy that he was dealt with so quickly.
She knew exactly how to deal with every type of waiting patient, so well, that the queue quickly dissipated. 
On the way out, after my Bloods, there were no more patients waiting! 
A brilliant receptionist who spoke to each patient with such care and attention, making us all feel important.
Oh and my bloods appointment was also brilliant, as usual.
Thanks WMC!
GP surgery review: woosehill-practice
Title: Great experience
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
I awoke with what I thought could have been a serious problem. I called the surgery mid morning and got straight through to a very pleasant and helpful receptionist. She took my details and said doctor would call that morning. Within half an hour I received the  doctor’s call and within another half an hour had an appointment at  the surgery. Tests performed and diagnosis given, referral letter done immediately and follow ups in place. I was immensely relieved and very grateful to staff and doctor for such a speedy and caring experience. Thank you so much.
GP surgery review: woosehill-practice
Title: Rude, uncaring receptionists
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: September 2023
Woosehill medical centre Drs and Nurses are good. Where it really falls  short is some of their reception staff who are incapable of doing their jobs in a caring , compassionate and professional way. I have been on the receiving end of ,and, have witnessed their behaviours towards patients. They can be incredibly rude and dismissive.  I turned up for an appointment today to be told that I didn’t have one. I  showed the receptionist the text message and the appointment message that I had been sent on their online platform on my phone and was told it wasn’t on their system. When I questioned why I had it in writing on my phone the receptionist told me ‘I don’t care about that message, it isn’t on the system. So you haven’t got one and won’t be able to see anyone as no one is available. The receptionist offered no solution until I pressed  for one. The receptionist then said there was nothing that could be done until pressed further then an offer of them speaking  to a Dr ‘when they could’ and offered to call me back. 
Frustrating service and some very rude receptionists. Woosehill Medical Centre would do well to employ caring people in a caring profession. Unfortunately, I have been with this practice for 13 years and I really thought they were improving, sadly it appears not also backed up by the reviews I have since read which are mostly 1 star .