Swallowfield Medical Practice - Reading

Tina H.

Ive been a patient here for over 20 years. Yes, in the past there has been teething problems with phones and sheer numbers of callers, HOWEVER, if you are ill they will ALWAYS see you the same day. The doctors, nursing staff and pharmacy are always professional and thorough.

John

I have been a patient of this practice since childhood. The doctors have always been very good at what they do. Unfortunately, my experiences of late haven’t been good ones. The receptionist literally talks to you like she’s doing you a favour. Her attitude towards people is unfriendly, and unprofessional. It’s virtually impossible to get an appointment, in fact I’ve paid to go private several times now out of frustration. I was on hold for 30 minutes recently, only to be told in a very sharp manner “call back at 1pm for an appointment.” Surely an automated message at the start of the call telling you that, would save people a lot of time being on hold, for an appointment they’re not going to get. It’s not just me who’s had this experience, I have spoken to several friends and family members, and their experiences are identical.

Marita H.

Appreciation for Exceptional Care

Dear Swallowfield Medical Centre,

I am writing to express my gratitude for the outstanding care I received from your team today.

Mrs. Sarah Hale, one of your staff members, was incredibly professional and understanding during our interaction. It was evident that the well-being of her patients is her top priority. Her compassionate and thoughtful approach made a significant difference.

Additionally, the receptionist who assisted me this morning was extremely accommodating. Despite the short notice, she went out of her way to address my concerns, understanding the urgency of the situation and doing her best to help.

I am truly thankful and grateful for the dedication and kindness shown by the staff at Swallowfield Medical Centre. Your commitment to providing excellent care does not go unnoticed.

With sincere appreciation,
M Holder

Gayathri G.

Registered here since 2021 and never had any bad experience. Especially when it comes to kids, they are amazing and somehow give appointments. Doctor are great! Especially Doctor Prabhakar. Highly recommend and thanks to the whole team.

Graham C.

Arrogant, rude, patronising and extremely unhelpful - this feedback covers the reception, the practice manager and pharmacy staff.
I was away for Xmas and again at the end of January so requested a prescription repeat that would cover me until I returned. The request was ignored. I was then quizzed on the precise dates I was travelling. Then I was told I would have to come back later. I complained, calmly and reasonably, and then found myself talking to the woman's back as she waved a dismissal and told me to have a nice day!!!
My old GP/pharmacy and my new one give me 3 month prescriptions.

13/02 In response to your response:
If you are genuinely interested in discussing my feedback you have my contact details.

Mr M.

A travesty of a practice, time and time again. The majority of the googlers, sorry doctors, consistently fail to put patient care first and display an attitude and arrogance that has no place in the NHS. At times, putting patients’ health and wellbeing at risk. Tired premises, insufficient parking, laughably bad telephony, online and IT systems and a generally abrupt and unhelpful culture among staff. You have more chance of seeing a Dodo than a GP. I could go on. Sadly, Google doesn’t provide for a zero star review. Avoid at all costs, if you can.

Elaine W.

My husband runs regularly but this morning experienced shortness of breath, heart racing,dizziness and a feeling in his legs like he was running up a steep hill. He tried to take his blood pressure on his return and the monitor could not take a reading as it said it was either too high or too low.
After 55 minutes of trying to get through to the surgery , I was told there were no appointments this morning and to call back at 1.30p.m. Surely when all the morning appts are allocated , a automated message could be placed on the phone line to that effect saving unnecessary waits( in my case 55 minutes)
Apparently the system would not allow the receptionist to make an appointment for the afternoon session as not released until 1.30p.m. Maybe someone should get a new system....
When expressing my concern, I was advised to call 111 or an ambulance (seems an overreaction as he had already waited 55 minutes plus whilst i was on the phone).
On ringing 111 , I was met with a message that they were extremely busy & to complete an online assessment unless it was a severe medical condition( how do I know that, I am not a dr). On completing the online assessment, he was advised to see his g.p today!!! Going round in circles but certainly not good care.

Graham K.

I have received excellent care over the last few days. Even when I made a mistake it all got sorted without any fuss. Thanks 😊