Whickham Cottage Medical Centre

Whickham Cottage Medical Centre 2021-11-08 Person 2 5 0

I have been a patient for many years and always found this to be a good practice in the past. In the last couple of years this has changed and I no longer feel valued as a patient or that I can rely on them when I am unwell. I have been seriously unwell over the last 12 months, requiring numerous hospital admissions. Unfortunately I can’t get to see a gp face to face for follow up care and I have absolutely been given the wrong medical advice over the phone following an e consult. This was picked up by another hospital based doctor. I have every sympathy with gp”s and staff who are overworked but how is it that I can see a hospital doctor who is undoubtedly as much under pressure? Using telephone and econsult for everything is dangerous as you simply cannot diagnose every condition this way. I know every patient feels that their problem is urgent but some people are seriously ill and need to be seen. I do feel that there is perhaps a hidden agenda to push such people away from the surgery and towards A&E, walk in centres and ambulatory care. I have recently felt incredibly let down by this practice and unsafe in their care. To be honest if all you can offer is telephone appointments then I’m better off ringing 111.

Stop using e consult and telephone appointments for everything. Start seeing patients. Suggest the receptionists try and demonstrate empathy and stop treating everyone like they are a burden.

Whickham Cottage Medical Centre 2021-07-07 Person 5 5 0

I visited the Whickham Practice on Monday 05th July 21 and I was given a prescription for two items. One of the items required me having to be measured and the Chemist informed me they did not offer this service and should return to the Whickham Practice. On return I spoke to someone named Debra who I believe is the Reception Manager and she could not of been more helpful. Even though there was no chance of me seeing a nurse that day due to events out of her control she arranged for me an appointment the next day and even contacted the GP who had issued the prescription for further advice. Later that afternoon whilst at home Debra called me and informed me that there were other alternatives as other Chemists offer the service I required so I didn’t have to wait until the next day. Debra explained how the other Chemists could arrange for the prescription to be transferred to them if they could provide the service but would also leave my appointment at Whickham just in case I could not get sorted. I would just like to say a big thank you to Debra as she went that extra mile in an awful time for everyone due to this pandemic and she gave a brilliant service to a very grateful customer. All the team at this practice are amazing and you all deserve a gold medal.

Nothing

Whickham Cottage Medical Centre 2019-01-25 Person 2 5 0

My doctor had to use google to try to diagnose me and did not refer me to a dermatologist which is what I really needed and what should have happened. They all make you feel welcome and are very friendly but I was not reassured that my on going condition would end or at least reduce.

Whickham Cottage Medical Centre 2019-01-23 Person 5 5 0

I would like to say a big thank you to the staff at Whickham Cottage GP surgery. I have called a few times recently about my little boy and have always found the reception staff to be caring and empathetic. They have on three occasions fitted him in the same day for an appointment! The GPs I have seen esp DR Jones have been wonderful. Thanks again.

Whickham Cottage Medical Centre 2018-10-09 Person 1 5 0

There is a real lack of appointments for people working full time. I had to make an appointment to be seen six weeks later but then I waited 45 minutes to be seen on the day of my appointment. I need bloods to be taken but I now have to wait two weeks because apparently they have a staff shortage? Let's hope the blood results don't show anything untoward as I can't get an appointment with a doctor for another two weeks after the blood test. I need to find another surgery I think!