Melbourne Grove doctor's surgery - Dr Johnson is retiring next month!

[cab]

Another reason to avoid the place completely - that and the rude reception staff, lack of ability to actually see a doctore etc etc...

[ratty]

I phoned last Wednesday morning. Was greeted by a charming girl at reception. Got a Dr appt at 9:45 and a nurse appt at 10:45. So not all bad!

[Saila]

i agree cab

However, there's (finally) one really nice woman behind the reception now. I always feel relieved if it's her that picks up the phone, after constantly feeling like i've done something wrong with the others...

... i find once you get past reception however, the treatment is good. i.e. docs and nurses.

[Loz]

Oh no - he is the only decent doctor there. I've had nothing but hassle with the rest. I only need to go about every year or so, but Dr Johnson has been great and the rest rubbish.

With Dr J going, it is time to move doctors. Any suggestions?

[siousxiesue]

Oh my heart sinks at this news, he is amazing. Provided me with sessions of acupuncture (which he has a specialist interest in) for as long as I needed it. A very patient man, will be sorely missed. And yes, the rest of the practice does leave something to be desired-I am waiting for my ENT referral since early Oct ;-((

[candp]

That's a shame, he's a nice man but he wasn't enough to keep me at Melbourne Grove Medical Centre. Having vowed never to venture into the awful, patient-hating place again, I went with a friend who was unwell 3 weeks ago to sit in reception. There was a woman pleading politely with the nasty receptionist ("I've been trying to register for a fortnight, I've really been messed around...") and the response was like a Little Britain sketch. I moved to DMC, not perfect and a little further away for me but it's much, much better.

[Marcus]

I live in Melbourne Grove and, for the sake of convenience, we struggled on with that place for years. We finally moved to DMC about a year ago. I wish we hadn't waited so long. It's not that DMC is utterly amazing, although I think it is really good, it's just that Melbourne Grove was bad beyond belief. I would advise anyone at Melbourne Grove to move immediately. The difference will, literally, astound you.

So I guess the take home message of this presentation is...

[3 little piggies]

Been at Melbourne Grove since Dr Grant back in the good old days and have been meaning to move for ages but held back from doing so because of Dr Johnson but nothing keeping me there once he goes. Might be a dumb question but what and where is DMC?

[Fuschia]

Dulwich Medical Centre

Not perfect (have had a saga of problems with repeat prescriptions and wrongly booked appts) but in general the receoptionists are friendly and most of the dr are good

[Ramble66]

There are two DMC's - one on Crystal Palace Road and one on Chadwick Road (SE15)

[redjam]

I am another escapee from Melbourne Grove to Dulwich Medical Centre on Crystal Palace Rd. Again, I couldn't believe the difference (tho' we've also had problems with repeat prescriptions being lost at DMC). But when I think of the hours I wasted waiting to see a doctor in Melbourne Grove, the rudeness I endured from the receptionists, the length of time I was kept hanging on the phone when booking an appointment, and that appalling telephone consultation system - I can't think why I stayed as long as I did. I agree Dr Johnson was the one bright spot that kept me there - he will be missed.

[Cassius]

I too will really miss Dr Johnson and the amazing help he has given me over the years. However I feel the Melbourne Grove has improved greatly in the past few months - maybe because so many patients have left. I see a very nice nurse practioner who has always taken timem to answer my questions, and the receptions do seem to be more helpful than in the past.

[Jeremy]

Cassius - I agree, it has improved recently. But if I'm ill, I'd rather see a doctor than a nurse practitioner. So I'm off.

[catma]

I've been dreading his retirement as he is the only doctor I will generally see there. Agree with all re the stresses of the surgery and the wonderfulness of Dr J. I've had to go there a few times recently and haven't been able to see him as it was more of an urgent appointment needed and he was not working - ended up with 2 completely different locum drs so no continuity of care there at all.

I'll be off to find a new surgery then.......

[Margy]

I have had ear problems since Xmas. had 2 courses of anti-biotics, then my doctor at 1 Forest Hill Rd. From the time he made the request for the referral to day of my appointment at the ENT department at Barts was only 3 weeks. I can't believe you've waited that long.

[Miacis]

Been a patient here for years - thought Dr Grant was great and I don't think I have ever come across Dr Johnson. Do see a lot of the Nurse practitioners for the everyday complaints you get with a small(ish) child. Universally competent and pleasant.

Just wanted to stick up for them - you don't always need (or even want) to see a Dr!

[prickle]

I am another Dr Johnson fan and will miss him when he goes?

Also just received a letter today from the practice saying that he will be replaced by Dr Anu Bhatia of Will My Crash Diet Kill me fame. Is this a joke or what?!

[Loz]

I thought that, but a quick Google found an old forum thread says she used to work at the DMC and was quite well liked.

[mrure]

I've been with this surgery since September 2009 and never had a problem either with a doctor or any other member of the staff.

[Ridgley]

Its seem to be the norm having cackling witches on receptions even Macbeth witches were more polite.

[cn150]

That's good to hear.

[cn150]

I don't think they have that telephone consultation appointment book system any more.

[Borderlands]

I am not registered at Melbourne Grove but I know someone who is - having found other GPs had full lists. I went along because this person was so anxious about what happens there following Dr Johnson's retirement - and I could see why when I there.

I really think my friend should move to another GP asap, but my friend now has begun to fear any contact with doctors at all.

And to think, these are the kind of people who might control the NHS purse- strings!!! Be afraid, be very afraid.

[JessieW]

Whatever you do, do not register at Lordship Lane Surgery. By far the worst I have ever stepped foot in with the rudest reception staff. I need a recommendation of a good doctor in the area too - are there any or are we going to have to go private?

[ultrauk]

Lordship Lane surgery near Costcutters is the pits.Most available appointments 10 days ahead & reception staff that take ages to even speak or look at you when you walk in.