Halesowen Medical Practice - Halesowen

Phil

At the request of the Dr I was told last week to seek an appointment with him if my symptoms persist after meds. Symptoms have persisted, asked for an appointment to see him this morning, given a date in March. What good is that?. I was offered an appointment with a paramedic, by the time I had discussed what the Dr had previously advised the slot had gone!! No the receptionists fault but the managers and senior Dr's do need to review their appointment practices. I now have to do the Halesowen Medical lottery call in the morning to seek an emergency appointment. There are slots with the same Doctor but they can't give me one as I must phone in the morning to secure one. Ridiculous.

Char L.

What a breath of fresh air, visited today and it’s been awhile. Lady called Mandy on the reception desk was very smiley and pleasant. Dr Sarah Allen was also very helpful 🙂

My kids go to another doctor’s and honestly the difference is like night and day.

Tia H.

A disgrace to the medical industry. Constant bullying from staff on the reception, a manager that doesn’t listen or take concerns seriously. Refusal to administer medication I am on for chronic on for pain and mental health. Exploiting the fact I am a young female on my own. Constant gaslighting, everyone telling you different things. I’ve been called a literal LIAR by multiple people when I have tried to voice my issues. Very scary to be told something wasn’t said when you know it was. I am autistic and have EUPD so the way I communicate is different to most people, no empathy or compassion for these things still spoken to like poo, the woman on reception with ginger hair is the rudest human I have ever met. She literally threatened not to put my repeat prescription through (more than once) I told the manager I wanted the call listened to because of what she had said and was told she would look in to it ever though she thought “the person on reception wouldn’t do that” so no investigation or follow up on my concerns. I’d avoid this doctors like the PLAUGE don’t put yourself through it.

Asma A.

It's extremely difficult to get an appointment and when I do have an appointment the doctor never writes me a prescription even in the worst condition and if they do write me a prescription they make it impossible to collect the medicine.

Karen B.

I live with a long term condition which causes pain, a burning facial rash and swelling around my eyes. I tried calling yesterday after I woke up with swollen eyes which got worse through out the day. By the afternoon they were almost closed and burning, yet the surgery was closed by 5.30pm. This morning I started calling at 8am but didn't get through till 8.30, , I was then told by a receptionist that it wasn't important enough and I should ring 111 for advice. I don't need advice I needed some ointment which she couldn't request even though it's a long term condition.
I am disgusted with this surgery leaving me in pain when this could have been sorted out with a note to a doctor , as my records have photographic evidence for reference.

Justine W.

I know how busy GP practices are, especially at this time of year, so I’m not critiquing the lack of appointments as this is a nation wide problem. But the lack of efficiencies and poor communication makes difficult situations even worse. Medication ordered and prescription printed instead of sent to my chosen pharmacy - no communication, meant I ran out of important thyroid medication before I was finally told, then I had to go to 4 pharmacies to place my order and wait another day. Why? This isn’t the first time, and there’s no excuse for errors like that.

Phone call this morning from the Practice Manager to discuss my review has gone a long way at ensuring the practice are keen to learn from their mistakes and put processes in place to reduce these kinds of careless errors from happening again. So thank you 🙏

Giada L.

I can never book an appointment with a doctor. Even if I call at 8am or I go to the Surgery myself early in the morning! It doesn't make an once of difference! They never have an appointment available. The earliest one are always 2 to 3 weeks after booking. What if I need antibiotics for something? Do I have to go to E&A just for antibiotics ? Or go to the walk in centre only to be asked why didn't I book an appointment with my GP !?

M

Receptionists don't answer the phone in time. Can walk to the place quicker than they answer sometimes (45mins). No privacy when talking to receptionists as everybody is staring at you with all chairs looking in same direction. Uncomfortable chairs. Some receptionists are quite rude, while others are friendly. Doctors are friendly, when you can see them...

When you try to call, you're sometimes waiting a stupid amount of time. I rung them and started to walk to them at the same time. The walk is 45mins. I walked there quicker than they answered the phone. When I walked in (still on hold) the reception staff were doing nothing. Not busy at all. I told them I was calling them (and had been for 45mins) and they had nothing to say. Useless.

I've found out that a better way of doing it, is calling 111. And telling them something to make the doctors at the GP ring you back. Saves so much time. Cut out the GP receptionists all together.

When you do get through, they never have any appointments anyway. Just call 111 once the surgery is shut. If the call while the surgery is open, 111 will tell you to call the surgery. The NHS is a joke. Call 111 after the surgery is shut, and you'll be able to speak to a doctor within an hour.

Give me back by NHS tax money so I can just go private.