Old Cottage Hospital Surgery

Written by a patient

Reception staff are excellent and services provided within house including investigations are great, but the doctors are overworked and no-one any longer takes overall care of you as a patient. Each problem is dealt with in a 'sticking plaster' philosophy. I no longer feel that I have a doctor who is interested in me and my general well being.

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Written by a patient

Impossible to get an appointment here. For example today (Monday 13th March) i finally got through this morning at 9:21am (kept on getting engaged sound between 8:25am to 9:20am. Then got told earliest I could be seen was Saturday 18th March 10am. I asked what would happen if i rang again tomorrow morning and receptionist said not to bother as would get same answer). This is absolutely unacceptable. I don't want to ring 999 as that's for emergencies but this is probably what's causing the system to falter. My own doctor K Bryce I haven't been able to get seen by her in about 9 months due to her to be available and booked up. My other choice Dr Cowlard who I believe to be really good, again the earliest I can get apt for him is 27th March! The doctors are good here but i will now change practise as the appointment booking system is completely unacceptable

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Written by a patient

I was delighted and thankful recently by a) an appointment I was able to have on a Saturday and b) by my last appointment with Dr Cowlard who was so very kind. I just wasn't expecting either of these really helpful appointments. I was also thankful for Dr Sevenoaks for sorting out a long standing health problem quickly and erriciently. In the main I have found this large practice dealing with a huge number of patients quickly and efficiently. Thank you

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Written by a patient

Fantastic doctors! Especially dr Lauren Whitfield and dr Richard Cowlard. They represent the highest level of professionalism and kindness. I can not recommended them enough. They respect and care about their patients. They listen attentively and answer all my questions patiently.They are truly phenomenal.I would like to also mention Mary,the midwife. She was looking after me throughout my pregnancy and she was fantastic. Very kind and knowledgeable. Thanks to her I felt better, I was happier and very confident in labour. I am grateful to have met these amazing people.

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Written by a patient

Whilst it can be difficult to get an appointment with my own doctor it is usually possible to get an appointment quickly with another doctor in the practise. They use a triage system to ensure best use of any open slots. My doctor will also phone me so that a decision can be made without me taking too much time at the surgery. I think they are making effective use of their time and using technology to assist. They still maintain a personal service.

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