Orchard Surgery

I do try not to use the doctors, I hang on to see if things improve so I don't go if it's not necessary. I had spoken to a pharmacist about my current thing and they told me to see a doctor. It's usually phone calls instead of appointments but I did see a physician's associate this time, although I struggled to understand her. She also wouldn't let me say about more than one thing so I've had to make another appointment which is for two weeks later.
I try to go in to book but I'm told to ring ... up. I called and was cut off three times as the line was full before being able to get in the queue. I pressed 8 for a call back but hadn't heard anything after two hours so I rang back again and got in the the queue.

My wife has memory problems which are so bad I can't leave her in the house alone or let her go out by herself but I just can't get an appointment. I'm really worried, I know the signs of dementia from other family members.
I keep going in and they've said the memory doctor is off, I need to keep trying, and I might be able to get something in April. They told me I'm in the system but they can't book an appointment for then. I'm also worried about her asthma and I'm not getting anywhere with t ... hat. I keep calling and they say there's nothing left.

I go reasonably frequently as I'm diabetic and asthmatic so I see the nurses. I get texts to tell me when it's time for an appointment and I can usually get one when I need it. I do find it easier to go in and book. They're very, very nice.

The nurse or the doctor come out to me whenever I need. They're always at the end of the phone, I've never had any problems. I'm happy with the service.

It's really awkward to get an appointment now, especially if you're not computer savvy. They should stop telling people who phone up for an appointment that they have to go online as not everyone can.
Recently I had my hearing checked at a chemists and they spotted an abnormality. The GP confirmed this and referred me to ENT but I feel quite stressed not knowing what sort of abnormality it is. Is it Teletubbies running around in there or is it cancer? It's frustrating and concerning. It's been ... four weeks already and I don't know how long it will be until I'm seen by ENT. I would have liked the GP to give me more information or at least some idea of how worried I should be.
Having said that, I am thankful we have any health service at all. By global standards it's excellent.

They really should have a second person on reception permanently. You have to wait 30 minutes just to ask a simple question. Some of them on the desk are rude and refuse to let you speak to a doctor.
I had to change doctor as mine left and then so did the next one. Now I don't recognise any of them.
When you call up you're number 18 or so in the queue. They need more people to answer the phones too, even just for the busy part in the morning, so that's another complaint.
It's no good. I've to ... ld them to their face.

They've got a ridiculous new system, you call and it goes to a call centre. I called the other day and was told I have to do things online. They did say they could talk me through it but you just feel fluffed off. How do old people manage? My neighbour is almost blind, she can't see forms!
Also I was told to start taking a previous medication again. I put it on my repeat but it wasn't there when I went to collect. It just says 'undetermined'. I can't get through on the phones to sort it out.
I ... did see a nurse practitioner recently who was absolutely amazing. She listened, I didn't feel rushed, she was caring, and very thorough. I haven't seen anyone like her for a long time, she went way above her job. She was brilliant!
I'd give the nurse five stars but with everything else, it's a three.

The service provided is worse than poor
Complicated means to contact the surgery.
Staffing issues that have an enormous impact on patients
Rude unhelpful staff
Management that are not sympathetic.
No extra support or help for vulnerable patients
If there was another option I certainly world not be registered here!!!

It is so hard to get an appointment to see anyone, it is always a long wait.
The people are okay once you are seen though.

I have been moved across to Orchard surgery from Toftwood. I have been about 3 times so far and managed to get the appointments when I needed them. I did find it frustrating the the Dr had not read my notes properly and that would only talk about one thing, I am a whole person, I got sent for a chest x-ray which I knew I did not need, but I have been sent for other tests.
If you get there before your appointment time you are sometimes seen early.
Everyone has been helpful so far.