Chobham & West End Medical Practice

I moved to Chobham a few years ago, and approached the doctors surgery to take over from my previous doctor due to the fact that I was now out of their catchment area.

On most occasions, I've been pretty disappointed by the experience of using the surgery (Chobham branch - which I live about 1/3 of a mile from) as it seems they don't really consider it worth maintaining as a practice.

The surgery is open for 3 full days (closed on Wednesday and Friday afternoons), and it is VERY difficult to get an appointment to see anyone within any kind of realistic timescale. It seems to be the case that the reception staff actually outnumber available doctors.

As an example, I collapsed during the night 36 hours after surgery, and was told by 111 that I needed to see my doctor the following morning (a Friday). I was unable to drive due to the fact I had just had surgery, yet the only appointment they could offer me was 4 miles away in the West End surgery "because they were closing at 1pm". They told me that as I couldn't get to West End, I should go to Woking Walk In centre which is 6 miles from my house.

Really, the place seems like a part time gig for doctors that can't really be bothered. The practice itself is very scruffy (which, given how affluent Chobham is, is a bit unexpected!), and the level of care in general is definitely below par.

I gave 2 stars (instead of 1) due to the fact that Emma, the practice nurse, and one of the receptionists (sadly I don't know her name) are VERY good and very helpful, but they represent oases in an otherwise painfully (literally!) negative experience.

Since moving to the area and registering with the West End Surgery, we have nothing but praise for this practice. The Doctors, all the Nursing Staff and Receptionists are excellent and all do their best to provide a good service. Please pass on a huge thank you to Enza who this afternoon went over and above her duty to help me overcome a difficult situation. Her assistance is greatly appreciated.

Incredibly unhelpful/rude receptionists when my 4 week old daughter needed to see a doctor. When I eventually did speak to one, she suggested I take her to a&e for reflux, rather than taking 2 minutes to register her as a temporary patient (we live between two places). Plus the 20 minute wait time every time I call up. Wish I was still in the catchment area for Lightwater - far superior.

Reception staff are always polite, understanding and very helpful. I don't think people realize that the whole system of seeing a GP has changed since Covid. Please do not take your anger at the front line staff who do their absolute best to help patients.

I've only ever had positive experiences with this surgery - The reception staff are always really friendly and helpful, my appointments have run on time and the doctors/nurses have been great. It can be tough to actually get an appointment sometimes because its so busy but isn't that the same of every doctors surgery these days! I've also used the online messaging service a couple of times and my requests have been dealt with quickly so I can't fault the team - thank you for all your help, keep up the great work!

Incredibly rude receptionist, I asked for her name but she refused to. I just needed very little detail about my blood test but she refused and said I have to take appointment which has to be 2 months later.

This practice is lovely, but they've stopped using livi recently and it now seems even more difficult to speak to anyone. I phoned bang on 8, waited 35 minutes, all appointments gone & can only book 6 weeks in the future. I know the NHS is massively under resourced, I'm sure they do what they can but I'm worried people will actually get far more sick than necessary or worse if a solution can't be found. I tried an online medical service, walk in centre & self help but sometimes you just need to speak to a GP.

October 2021, went to West End Surgery for my Flu jab. Polio 71 years ago means I need Blue Badge Bay - this was blocked off by chairs along with two spaces next to it. The "steward" was totally unaware she had blocked off a Blue Badge bay, said to report to Practice Manager. Pleased with every other part of the visit. Due to rain and me thinking more about jab, I didn't take a photo!