Biddlestone Health Group

Biddlestone Health Group 2015-05-05 Person 2 5 0

I felt the need to comment on your appointment booking procedure. I called the surgery today to try and book an appointment for myself, however was told there were no appointments available until mid June, I was told I could call the surgery each morning at 8.30 in the hope of possibly being able to obtain an appointment that day. My main issue with this is that I need to pre-book an appointment so that I can arrange childcare, this is not possible for me to do on the day, I need to have some sort of notice. I also have experience of trying to contact the surgery first thing and have found the lines are engaged and I am not usually able to get through until after 9.30 by which time the appointments have generally been given away. I appreciate this is a busy surgery and that some appointments need t be held back for emergency patients on the day but I find it ridiculous that I wouldn't be able to see a doctor for 6 weeks if I need to pre-book. I feel like this system penalises patients for trying to be organised and needing non-emergency care.

Biddlestone Health Group 2015-04-02 Person 4 5 0

The doctors all take an holistic and inclusive approach to care, involving the patient in decisions about their own health, well-being, and treatment. They are aware of individual needs, and have always acted very swiftly when I have been in need of an urgent appointment or treatment. Likewise, the reception staff have always ensured that I am seen quickly when my health has been deteriorating, and are aware that I have a condition that can deteriorate rapidly and dramatically. I have had nothing but the best of care from all at the practice since I first attended over twenty years ago.

Biddlestone Health Group 2015-03-31 Person 3 5 0

It is becoming very difficult to make a same day appointment. I try phoning from 8.39 0 but rarely get to talk to someone before 9.10, by which time there are no appointments left. This also means I have no other choice than to phone whilst driving, doing the school run. I have also tried on several occasions making a same day appointment in person. This too has been fruitless on a number of occasions due to the number of people waiting. I think this is a great GP surgery, but this and the lengthy time one can wait when drs are running behind is a draw back.

Biddlestone Health Group 2015-03-03 Person 5 5 0

All the reception staff are so helpful and I am always able to get an appointment with the doctor of my choice. The doctor who I see is so helpful and tries different drugs if one does not agree with me. I always have a very good experience when attending at the surgery. The nurses are very prompt. Sometimes I have waited quite a while to see a doctor but I totally understand that some people take longer than others. I am totally satisfied with the practice.

Biddlestone Health Group 2015-01-27 Person 2 5 0

I have used a couple of GP's in the past but I would say I am disappointed with Biddlestone's service compared to others. Some of the issues that I have faced are mentioned below. 1. It is difficult to get an appointment unless you go at 8:30AM in the morning even if it is an emergency. Even if we go at 8:30 it is difficult to get an appointment with a lady doctor even if we wish too. I wonder how the appointment works. I don't think 100% online booking is allowed so I wonder how I don't get appointment with the concerned doctor even when I go to the GP in person at 8:15 am in morning and stand first in the queue. 2. The appointments are horribly late. I have never met a doctor on time for any of my appointments after 10:30 AM. Sometimes I end up waiting 45 to 60 minutes. Its not only for me this also happens for my husband and kids. I don't think the GP is taking any steps to correct this. This has been happening for a long time now. I think the time assigned to each patient is much less than actual time taken and I don't think they are making any effort to correct this problem. 3. I delivered a baby recently and from my past experience with another GP I know the practice itself sends appointment for follow up checks for the baby and myself but with this GP it never happens unless you follow it up. E.g. The 6th week post natal check for my baby and myself didn't happen and I had to follow it up twice before they sent me an appointment. Similarly after 8th week the Health visitor comes home to check the baby. Again I had to follow it up before an appointment was made. These are standard procedures and I don't think it requires follow up for the GP to perform these. We are already in pressure with the new born and all these adds more to it. 4. One or two of the receptionists are not helpful at all. Even if the child is very sick they don't even try to get an appointment at all. They bluntly tell you no appointments come back tomorrow morning. I think they can try to approach differently. It doesn't help when kids are sick and we get such a blunt response. I am sure they can do better. This happens with one or two receptionist and not all.