Share review of Deal Tree Health Centre

Deal Tree Health Centre 2022-05-13 Person 1 5 0

I don't actually know where to start. I have recently moved to the area from Upminster and had to register at this GP. I filled out the new patient forms and then tried for nearly 2 months to get an appointment. I am on anti-depressants and are prescribed these for a repeat of 28 days. I could not get through in April to get my next dose so ordered online - this actually went smoothly. Now in May I have tried to call dozens of times, either to be told all the AM appointments have gone and to call back for a PM appointment - impossible! I don't believe my appointment is of any urgency that I need a same day appointment, I would not want to take those appointments away from someone who does need a same day apt, so I carried on looking online for appointments, which no shock there wasn't any. Finally I looked on Tuesday 10th May and there was a space available for 23rd May- but I need my medication before 16th May so I re order my prescription. 12th May I receive a call to say it cannot be prescribed until I see a doctor as I am a new patient, I explained I have this booked but need my prescription ASAP - a type of medication you are not allowed to suddenly stop. I was assured I would get a call back. Obviously I did not. Today (13th May) I have spent 30 minutes trying to get through, to speak to a lady called Tanya in dispensary, who for a service that is to provide care to patients is extremely rude. I asked her to stop speaking over me so I could explain, she then said 'if you let me get a word in edgeways I can tell you what's on the system'. I explained I actually work for the NHS at a Hospital and if a patient called with such urgency I would contact a doctor ASAP - she said 'no'. Looking at google the last CQC review for this GP was 2016 - this majorly needs to be looked at. If admin staff were nice and helpful to their patients then I wouldn't be writing this review, wouldn't be stressed and wouldn't be calling back later to see what is happening. If you cant be nice and understanding that patients only call GP practices when their health is suffering then you need to change career. I am going to be begging other local GP practices to have me as a patient as dealing with such rudeness, no help, being unable to get through & feeling like there is no care - isn't helping my mental health at all!!!! Absolutely would not recommend this GP and I haven't even visited yet!! Not a good start at all. Lets just hope that between 16th - 23rd May I don't either have an epileptic fit or attempt suicide!

Everything, starting with admin/reception communication skills. Answer telephone calls, more appointments needed. Virtual/telephone appointments for non urgent queries.