The Cedars Surgery - Swanley

Nushrat K.

The process of booking the appointment was fairly quick, which I appreciate. However, the actual experience was disappointing.

The appointment was scheduled for 12 pm but we did not see the doctor ( a trainee ) until 1 pm. At 12:45pm I asked the receptionist if my mother was actually on the system as waiting to see doctor.

While waiting , I noticed the trainee doctor ( not realising she was the one who my mother was booked with ) walking slowly between patients and engaging in a long conversation with the nurses and staff about personal matters.

When we finally saw her , I expected her to begin by taking my mother’s temperature and blood pressure, especially considering her age and health concerns. Unfortunately, this was not done. I mentioned that my mother had been experiencing headaches but no checks were made for pain in her skull, neck or any other related areas.

It was only when I mentioned that my mother’s blood pressure had been very high the night before and still wasn’t great in the morning that she asked if she could check it again. This delay in addressing the issue was concerning.

This is not the level of care one would expect from your GP service and I hope you will address these issues to ensure a more thorough and professional experience in future appointments.

sarah R.

Absolutely disgusting. Think the building should be knocked down . I don’t know if the building has ever been cleaned. The doctors are rude and don’t seem to prioritise the patients or even listen to them. My daughter came here then within the same day ended up in hospital after the doctor said there was nothing wrong. Hospital also. Put her on medication. Surgery should be shut down or better still, doctors who actually care.

Scott S.

What a flawed system they have in place which makes it incredibly difficult to see or even speak to a doctor. the level of incompetence when talking to the staff is shocking. And to top it off you get text messages from the econsult system invalidating your illness and stating that medication won’t help. The surgery’s dire reputation is certainly warranted and well earned.

Helen M.

The doctors are really good and helpful, no complaints there.
However, not the receptionist, I have had to speak to the reception staff twice, one at the surgery and once over the phone, both very rude.
The one on the phone, called me following o 111 call I had made. This was on a Friday and she told me to do an e-consult. I said that I needed to be seen today and if I filled in an e-consult I wouldn't get seen till Monday. She argued with me and took a lot of persuading to get an appointment for that Friday.
When I went for this appointment, the one at the surgery lied to me and because of this I had to wait an hour to see the doctor I was supposedly have been booked in to see. I was very unwell and when I did eventually get to see the lovely doctor, I was told to go straight to A&E by two doctors. When I got to seen by a specialist doctor at the hospital, I was asked why I had left it so long to get help. Imagine if I had left it till the Monday as suggested by the Cedars receptionist.
So I avoid going to this surgery and go the the Oaks as I never experienced this with the receptionists there.

Sharon M.

For the first time since 2019, I did an econsult today. I explained my issue and sent form. They requested more info and a photo, and i was given a prescription. Job done!
My issue is: what if I'm very elderly and can't provide the information you need online? I didn't actually see a GP? They took my word? No wonder many illnesses are missed! After nearly 6 years, I'm not exactly a drain on the NHS? Everyone needs more face to face contact.

J ?. T.

No GDPR and confidentiality. All the names and surnames of the patients are displayed on the board when you are being called to the doctor. You can easily allocate the name with a patient going into the doctors room. No confidentiality esp if you have children. Against GDPR rules

philbex

What truly wonderful care! We came to The Cedars Surgery for COVID jabs and I was blown away by the care, kindness and efficiency of the team. Rosie is particular was amazing - she listened to my concerns (our daughter has disabilities and I worry about everything) - and I mean she really, really listened, and then she gave me the kind of support and empathy you would expect from a family member or dear friend. I wish there was a Rosie in every surgery up and down the land - it wouldn't solve the NHS problems, but everyone would certainly be a lot happier. Thanks so much for looking after us guys, you really are angels 🙂

Kat D.

Usually I can’t fault the cedars, now called the Swanley Medical Practice, been registered with them for 9 years, but the receptionist this afternoon was awful. I’ve worked as a GP receptionist myself, I know how difficult a job it can be. However, the receptionist I spoke to today has not an ounce of customer service in her. Tutted at me and rolled her eyes because I asked if a duty doctor could look at an urgent prescription that no pharmacies have.
She couldn’t wait to get back on her phone. Atrocious and gives the surgery a bad name.