Theale Medical Centre

Written by a carer

The appointment system is far from perfect. We recently joined this surgery and placed with a very nice caring GP but they are only available for two days a week which means there is great difficulty in having continuation of carecfrim that person. They have grown to know us but if either of us needs an appointment even a telephone consult this person is booked up weeks in advance. To have continuity if care we need to be able to see or speak with them when necessary. If booked innwith any other GO it’s clear they’re not knowing our histories and don’t want to ‘tread on our registered GP’s toes’ and we feel left uncared for. We are patients aged 79 and 80 and have complex medical history for one of us. Placed with a newcomer to the surgery recently for whom we waited an hour and a half over the allotted appointment time. This person had no knowledge of us or the history other than was on the screen in front of them. In and out in less than five minutes and given no clear help or guidance other than a referral in to someone else. We are elderly and vulnerable and feel we’d rsther be with our previous surgery who were far more caring and helpful. We had to come to this surgery because we moved into the area but would prefer to be elsewhere. You have improved slightly since your big shake up call last year after inspectors gave Theale a very low score but you still have a long way to go to meet our specific needs...cancer, epilepsy, diabetes, dementia just a few of the illnesses suffered by one of us. Kidney failure and Carers fatigue the other.aming others too many to mention. We often need to travel to west berks community hospital for blood tests that are needed regularly because there insufficient phlebotomists on duty who only ‘specialise in one type of tedt’ A blood test is a blood test why is it difficult? Now it has come to our attention one cannot have a home visit unless you’re registered as being permanently house bound! What has happened to a doctors bedside manner? We’ve decided that we need to choose a date some weeks ahead to be I’ll in order to find a free appointment with our registered GP and we can no longer have anyone see us in our home though we’re unable through illness to get there? Outrageous. So the short story is we would NOT recommend Theale Medical Centre to anyone who is over 50 or who may need just a little more help than younger patients. I apologise if there are typos in here I also am losing my sight:(. The ONLY staff there are at the pharmacy and once we understood their methods for medication everything is good and they are very helpful indeed.

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Written by a patient

I have to have very regular warfarin blood tests. As the catchment area is so large and there is only one phlebotomist it is becoming almost impossible to get an appointment on the date the hospital has requested. This results in the test being done late. The knock on from this is a letter and a phone call from the hospital clinic blaming me and telling me that I am putting my health at risk. Today I did have an appointment but when I arrived I was informed that the phlebotomist hadn't been able to come to work so my blood test was cancelled. A curtesy would have been to contact me and let me know this before I arrived. Lyn, the phlebotomist is excellent, and does a brilliant job, but I do feel she needs another body to help deal with the workload imposed upon her

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Written by a patient

My GP Dr Hassy is a fantastic doctor. He is very approachable. Although he is a little soft and can at times come across as a little patronising ( I am sure that this isn't intentional) , he always takes time to listen, is very patient and tries his best to resolve health issues. The majority of the receptionists are very helpful and make the patients feel at ease. Angie, Claire and Karen are particularly good. The nurses provide an excellent service and it is very easy to get appointment with them for minor illnesses that don't need the attention of my GP. Their approach to me has always been good. I have found Janet, Holly and Kate to be particularly good. The phlebotomist, Lyn is also good. She always puts me at ease and has often squeezed me in at the last minute. The dispensary department has also provided me with a good service, answering any questions and resolving issues quickly and efficiently. The only real criticism that I have is the ability to get an appointment over the telephone when I need it at a time that suits me. But that is understandable due to the large volume of patients that the centre has. I get around the issue by booking the majority of my appointments on line. I have also noticed an improvement in the atmosphere at the centre since the new practice manager took over. The staff in general, especially the receptionists appear to be a lot happier!

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