New Springwells Practice - Sleaford

Englewoods Server

Excellent surgery, excellent staff from caring receptionists, to nurses and Doctors. I can't recommend highly enough. Prompt medical attention provided from genuinely caring staff. I have never had a problem contacting the surgery by telephone, and also used the Ask my GP service today and had a reply within the hour. We are VERY LUCKY to have such a fantastic surgery

Loosetooth

Response to Practice Manager's response:

First off I will say that I recognise that the modern NHS, after 15 years of Tory austerity, is a difficult place to work and maintain.

Secondly, I will recognise that the rules have been followed and that you are completely unimpeachable in that sense...

But, just because there is a rule does not mean it has to be enforced and there are circumstances where it might be right to not enforce it.

I am also sure that, should the practice have wanted to, they could have filled in the two page form, less than 10 mins work, and not charged the £40+ I was quoted and no-one at the NHS would have known anything about it. There is an element of discretion there, which my last GP exercised.

You are under no obligation to look at my circumstances and just make a common sense decision that the not charging of private fees, for something so important for my family and light on effort might be a better course of action. That the passing along of such a charge might place me in a difficult position and impose a severe financial penalty on me at a time when I cannot cover the basic costs life is throwing at me. But then I am under no obligation to endorse or tolerate such money grubbing and entrust my health to people who display such behaviour.

Still, it is done now. You are in your lane and I am in mine and I am glad of it, I do not consider you good people.

Added September 2024.

Original Review:

Gladly removed myself from their lists. I think that the senior partner in the practice is morally and ethically tone deaf. To charge people on benefits as "private patients" to complete forms that allow them to claim supplementary supporting benefits is just wrong (in my opinion).

We are having to pay the GP on a credit card so that we can apply for further financial support, which we may or may not receive or we can not apply for further financial support because we cannot afford to pay the private fees to our GP, it puts us into a financial quandary and is just another pressure.

I would rather continue on without a GP from this point. I have many unkind things to say about my feelings, on that particular GP, but will not as Google might remove the review.

Nicky Griffin

Over the last 2 weeks, I have had appointments with Dr Victor and Dr Keck. Both made me feel like they had lot of time and carefully assessed my situation. I’m so grateful that I live in the catchment for this surgery. All the team are so helpful and friendly.

Michelle T

Highly recommend this practice. The nurses, doctors and pharmacists are impeccable and provide the best health care possible, including and especially for those with chronic illnesses and disabilities. The only minor aspect that could be improved is if the doors were automatic or operated via a push pad for those with mobility problems or wheelchair users as this would be really helpful in making the entrances more accessible.

steve gidney

I am relatively new to springwell. After moving in the village. More than happy with staff I have met so far and so pleased to be in there care. Absolutely ?.

Emma Severs

I rarely leave reviews but would just like to say,
I have both personal and professional experience of the New Springwells Practice.
My parents moved to Springwells after Dr Murphy joined the practice as he had been their doctor for many, many years at their previous surgery. The care my parents received from everyone at Springwells was exceptional. Taking my mum for appointments at the surgery was very difficult at times due to her limited mobility and dementia and so I was really grateful for the occasional home visit, especially during Covid.
I also deal with the surgery on a professional level and have done for over 35 years in the course of my job with the bereaved. The doctors and medical secretaries are extremely efficient at ensuring paperwork is completed quickly and accurately which eases some of the stress for the bereaved. The staff on reception are always helpful and the telephone is always answered quickly.

Serenely Perplexed

Got noticeably less caring and patient-focused since COVID. Now more difficult to get appointments. Patients have to push and demand to get information, and are abandoned if they don't. Receptionists are routinely unfriendly, arrogant, rude, dismissive and unhelpful.

Doctors listen less than ever and seem to rely on patient panels to measure their effectiveness, rather than individual patients.

I've seen patients leaving the practice variously in tears and hot rage. During COVID I discovered a very frail old gentleman shivering with cold outside the locked doors, waiting to be admitted for his appointment. He said he'd been told to wait in his car despite not arriving in one. One of my elderly neighbours tells me that she has received zero assistance for many health issues and has given up asking help.

Personally I can't think of a single occasion when I have been actively helped by this practice.

Nurses, however, are the backbone of the practice. They are courteous, friendly, efficient and caring. Without them it would be a very dark place indeed.

Malcolm Ryder

I have been with Springwell practic for quite a few years. My personal Doctor is Doc Keck a true gentleman who goes above and beyond to help you as a patient to live your life pain free and to its full.
I must not forget the other Doctors at the practice, nurses, backroom staff and pharmacy.
They are all working hard and feel the stress, please cut them a little slack.
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