Anyone else having issues with The Gardens Surgery

[MaryT]

I’ve been happily with them for donkeys years but my recent experience has been a bit shocking. Clinical staff have been great (if you can get an appointment) but apparently the Practice has a ‘new system’ in place. You can’t phone for an appointment, you have to go ‘on the app’ and request one. GP will review the request at some unspecified point and decide whether to offer you an appointment . My experience of using the app hasn’t been good and I’m a bit horrified that folk can no longer arrange appointments by phone or by walking in. I’ve also had them lose referral forms, and had to chase them multiple times over a simple GP letter. This has never been my experience in the past so it’s alarming. Anyway, I’ve asked to be included in the Patient Participation Panel, so I’m interested in the experience of others, good & bad? Feel free to PM me, if you prefer!

[Sue]

I haven't had any problems, except when the online  appointment system is full, but I have found if something is urgent they can fit you in if you phone.

I think they probably keep a few spaces free for urgent last minute appointments, but I'm just guessing 

I've found it quite convenient being able to email questions which previously I would have had to ask at an actual appointment, and I've always had a speedy reply. You can send photos as well.

I don't know about forms and letters. That sounds bad. Have the admin staff changed recently?

[Spartacus]

Its part of a change all Doctor surgery's are undergoing. 

The goverment want to stop the 8am scramble for an appointment, and its not just restricted to the Gardens.

Sadly, it does impact some who are not digitally savy. 

 

[Azalea]

This sounds like what goes on at Tessa Jowell GP surgery as well as others.   If you can flag yourself up as a ‘vulnerable’ patient or one that can’t use Apps for whatever reason etc then you can usually make appts by phone. They would have to make allowances. Quote the Equality Act 2010,  reasonable adjustments section.