Old Cottage Hospital Surgery

Written by a patient

I have been at the old cottage hospital for a couple of years now and have never had a straight forward appointment. The Doctors have been helpful, once you can speak to them, but the receptionists seem to go out of their way to make things difficult. This is not a moan, but a genuine concern for patient health. On many occasions I have had to be quite persistent and direct to get to speak with someone - had I not been I am sure I would have been brushed aside. This is not the level of health care you would expect in the UK.

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Written by a patient

Saw the Dr to seek a referral to a cranial osteopath for our 3 month old son who is suffering from colic as we had heard positive things from friends. As nhs does not recognise this treatment we sought private treatment. Dr was quite dismissive and unhelpful at first and we had to push to get her to agree to a referral. Quite surprised at how supportive Dr was especially as we have tried various products to try to mitigate the problem. Very difficult to get an appointment and slow to administer prescriptions. Not all bad as there are some very nice Drs but very inconsistent.

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Written by a patient

I have been a patient at this surgery for nearly 20 years. The doctors and care provided, the availability if appointments and the absolutely wonderful dedicated reception staff are unmatched and so say everyone I know, both fellow patients and people who attend other surgeries.

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Written by a patient

The surgery itself is brilliant when you get to see someone, however trying to get an appointment is utter horrendous you can not book an appointment until on the day after 8,30 and trying to get an appointment is a joke, on several occasions I have called and can not get through to later be told all appointments are gone and try again the next day. I have a one year little girl with infant wheeze and when she gets a cold she ends up with a chest injection I called every minute till 10.30 to get through and then was told all appointments had gone. Another occasion when I was 6 weeks pregnant and bleeding I was calling all morning to get an appointment to not be able to get through so I then called 111 who said I should see a doctor within 2 hours and sent an email to the surgery however could still not get through to book an appointment. My partner has needed to get an appointment for personal reasons that seriously needs to see a doctor and again can not get through to be told that all appointments gone. I don't know whether there could be a system introduced where patients can leave a message for these serious appointments that someone call back and arrange a doctor appointment for if not that day maybe the day after, rather than just being ignored and put in the same category as a cold etc.

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Written by a patient

It is a wonderful GP practice, doctors are great and helpful with very understanding approach... nurses and other medical staff are good too. The only negative side is the reception staff and the booking system as you won’t get through easily (80 calls or more) even then you will wait for more than 20 minuets get to get someone to answer!! And the receptionists are not helpful at all..... it is a shame

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