Advice on local Doctor's Surgeries

[claireraff111]

We've just moved into the area and are looking to join a Doctor's surgery. I have read some conflicting reviews on the NHS website so would like some clarification. Who are you all happy with?

Many Thanks, Claire

[redjam]

The Dulwich Medical Centre on Crystal Palace has some good doctors but they are a nightmare to get an appointment at. If you want to be sure of getting an appointment on the day you have to queue outside before it opens as it's so difficult to get through on the phone. There are several threads about this on the main part of the forum if you do a search - they've clearly taken on too many patients at the moment. Such a shame as I do think the doctors are very good.

I used to be a patient at the one on Melbourne Grove, but then they brought in an equally nightmareish telephone consultation system, whereby a receptionist would have to phone you back several hours after your initial call to discuss your requirements before they would make an appointment. Somehow this always seemed to result in them phoning you back when you were in the middle of a meeting - which would mean you'd have to start the whole process again - or you'd be forced to discuss your ailment on a crowded train carriage or whatever. Plus all their good doctors seemed to leave around the time we were there. This was a couple of years ago so don't know if things have improved since then.

I've heard good things about the one at the Gardens and the Forest Hill Road Group Practice, and I think there's one on Lordship Lane which is meant to be good. At some point I will switch and hope for third time lucky!

[hellosailor]

dmc have 55, 000 patients (one of the GPs told me recently) and are still taking more on...gah! docs are good when you get to see them tho..but if you're in the Gardens catchment then I would go with them!

[BellendenBear]

Where do you live?

DMC Chadwick Road in SE15 are brilliant. They don't seem to have any of the problems with access that their Crystal Palace Road branch has. The receptionists are always helpful and polite. I have seen 4 or 5 of their GPs in the last year for myself or my children, and I would be very happy to see any of them again.

[claireraff111]

Thank you very much for the replies here, very helpful indeed.

Claire

[Sol]

If you are in the catchment area of Elm Lodge surgery. They are the best in my opinion, good facilities, easy to get an appoinment and Drs are good. Not a bad review

[WorkingMummy]

Depending where you are, the Camberwell Green Surgery is very good and have an excellent same day system: get there at 7:40 (to queue without an appointment) and you can see a doctor before work.