Studholme Medical Centre

Studholme Medical Centre 2015-03-23 Person 1 5 0

Just had the unfortunate experience of trying to make an appointment for my son. As usual I cannot make an appointment due to the stupid system of having to call at 8am but being a busy working parent of 2 children who at that time are being driven to school because the school is not within walking distance I cannot make that call. I am then offered an appointment at a time which means my child will miss school, not appropriate as he is not off school ill. Also during this debacle of a call I can here the receptionist telling her colleague that I am angry, totally untrue. I am exasperated, with this surgery, having been a patient here for 48 years I cannot believe what a mess they are in, customer service is not their strong point. I have tried using the automated system but this isn't working and an online appointment is fine if I want it next month. Sort yourselves out, stop the 8am priority calls move it to a more convenient time for the majority, have a drop in type surgery. But most importantly stop alienating patients from using you and going to the walk-in centre or putting more of a strain on the NHS by ggoing to A & E for minor complaints. I doubt I'll get an answer to this comment, as Studholme surgery seem to stick their heads in the sand when it comes to comments

Studholme Medical Centre 2015-03-19 Person 1 5 0

The automated booking system is broken. According to the receptionist a new computer system is replacing the old and engineers are working on it. My professional instinct tells me this is not likely true. In any case I suggest please turn it off and answer the incoming calls in person during the transformation, as sick people don't need extra stress and uncertainty ever. Secondly, after finally speaking with the receptionist it became clear that no appointments exist anyway, apparently for over two weeks in advance. Not one of these slots are bookable and the bookings only extend for two weeks. For a professional person this is a disaster for their work commitments and pushes back on an already unbalanced work life balance. Thirdly, if I am to stand a chance of seeing a doctor at this practice, I must phone only at 8:00 AM and enter a lottery along with I assume more people than the ISDN 2 phone line can cope with or the one receptionist can actually handle. It appears that one can only be sick at 8:00 AM, if you don't get lucky with a slot there and then you simply must try again tomorrow. Personally, my kidney feels like it wants out, I'm rinsed with pain and need an answer as to what to do to help myself now. Any suggestions? Finally, if you do manage to get to the practice, it's still very dirty and smelly in the reception area. I recommend the practice take a moment to at least dust the surfaces and children’s play items with an antibacterial product, you know that makes sense.

Studholme Medical Centre 2015-03-17 Person 4 5 0

My mother (86) has Alzheimer's. The Doctors and all the staff at the Studholme continue to give my mother the best quality of life possible. As a family we work 'with' this surgery. Working 'together' my mum is able to keep hospital admissions to the absolute minimum. We have always been able to speak or see a Doctor when required. Many thanks to all at the Studholme Surgery, Ashford.

Studholme Medical Centre 2015-03-13 Person 3 5 0

Getting an appointment is extremely difficult. Earlier and later hours would enable those who work and especially those who commute a chance of actually getting an appointment when they are ill and not one once they have recovered or become even worse.

Studholme Medical Centre 2015-03-12 Person 3 5 0

I always try to use the on-line booking service, but you need to make an appointment about two weeks in advance, especially if you want to see a particular doctor. It hasn't always been like this, but in the last year or two there have been lots of staff changes and now getting an appointment is a real chore. I believe you can get a telephone appointment same day if you have an urgent problem, but routine stuff takes ages. There is a large screen TV in the waiting room to keep you amused showing propaganda videos and presentations from the BMA etc about how the GP service is crumbling under the starin of all us annoying patients. I would rather they showed some Tom and Jerry cartoons or 'Allo 'Allo to keep us amused.