I have been registered with this surgery for over 35 years together with my family. I have not been happy with the service for some time, particularly with regards to the administration and reception services. In the past have lost records, delayed in referring to specialists (e.g. oncology departments), handed over prescriptions meant for other patients, entered incorrect details on my patient database/records stating I had medical conditions which I had not (i.e. Epilepsy), not recorded medical conditions that I do have, given false names when requested etc etc. In addition I have witnessed rudeness and impatience first hand to other patients on a number of occasions specifically with the elderly and those who do not have English as their first language. I commented at the time but I know I should have raised formal complaints. My recent experience was I undertook an E-consult and in fairness was given an appointment to see a doctor at the Tessa Jowell Centre within a few days. The doctor was very professional and gave a diagnosis, but said I needed to have a chat to a doctor at the practice to refer me to a specialist at the hospital. I tried to do this with reception, but after finally agreeing to a further telephone consultation with a doctor I received a call from a senior nurse to say my appointment had been cancelled by "management" and it had been transferred to her. I pointed out that the doctor at the TJC was the one who said I needed a 1-2-1 with a GP The nurse was very helpful and undertook to make the necessary referrals but would have to request the telephone consultation be re-instated as there were issues she could not deal with which needed a GP discussion. The problems we experience have been made worse by the Corona virus but not because of it. I have family members who are doctors and consider the service from the practice over the years to be poor. Sadly when I read the reviews and reports of other local surgeries they are at least as bad as the Forest Hill Group and therefore a change is unlikely to help - Unless anyone can suggest otherwise?
