The Armada Family Practice

Written by a patient

I attend the surgery on a regular basis and have always received a good service. Receptionists are always welcoming & helpful. The nurses are very friendly and nothing is too much trouble, especially Janet. Also the Dr's, especially Dr. K. Jones take time to listen and help as much as she can to help with my long term health problems. My only negative is that on occasions it can be a long wait to get an appointment, but after speaking to the nurse practitioner I am usually seen quite quickly. On the whole, a great practice with excellent staff.

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Written by a patient

There is one receptionist who is extremely rude (the small dark haired one) she always talks down to me is not helpful at all and she is determined to be awkward . There are other receptionist who are always helpful and polite. It has always been very hard to get an appointment even when I start ringing the surgery at 8.30 when they open you normally get through after 9am even when continually redialling and when you get through there are never any appointments left and end up having the nurse ring you back. But the new system of open surgery (which I have only used once) is much better .

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Written by a patient

always received in a polite fashion and never made to feel I'm wasting time and I am impressed of the time factor in receiving treatment, I also like being able to make appointments on line.

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Written by a patient

A better appointment booking needs really improving even the new one they have recently introduced. Patients should be able to see a GP of their choice, receptionists need to stop playing god by telling a patient who they can or cannot see, plus being nosey as to ailments the patient may have. Most of the GP's are first class in this practice, once you get to see them.

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Written by a patient

Firstly, I don't agree with having to put in a 'last appointment' when filling in this review, as that totally reduces any chance of anonymity and because I can't be bothered to go and look my diary, so I have simply made a guess. I had an appointment on a Monday at 8.30 a.m. when the surgery opens. I was too ill to attend, but could not get through on the phone to cancel. I consequently received a letter practically accusing me of being a time waster. There needs to be a system in place for cancellations - other than on the computer because not all patients can access one at the drop of a hat. The new system of turning up at 8.30 and waiting to be seen is ridiculous. If you feel ill the last thing you want is to be sitting around for about three hours. Also, those who work would not be able to get time off to do so, and some non-emergency conditions still require to be seen the same day. Booking an appointment is also ridiculous. Appointments have to be made so far in advance and if you have anything which is non-emergency, but worrying (ie. symptoms of cancer) it is no good finding out after that you can actually ring through and make an urgent appointment. Once one gets to see a doctor the care is brilliant, but the whole build up to getting into that surgery door is dreadful. I have never found myself faced with an unhelpful receptionist, but the system is flawed.

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