Four Elms Medical Centre

Pointless having a doctor as no one ever answers the phone and impossible to get an appointment. Do not bother registering here.

Unhelpful and unaware people on the reception. My TSH is clearly shooting up (7.12) but they kept telling me everything is normal in my reports even when I tried to show them the results given by them only. When requested to book an appointment with GP she asked me to call in the morning, then I told her that last time I called they asked me to go to the surgery to get one. They just want to keep you running. I hope they understand they need to work like humans and not robots. The nurses and doctors are definitely great. But the people on the front desk represents the whole organization, which unfortunately fails here. So disappointing.

Auto message: ring between 2 and 4.
Drs surgery: we don't answer the phone in the afternoon.

Absolute nightmare to make the simplest routine appointment

There isn't a conspiracy; they take an age to get through and it is really hard to get an appointment because of just how incredibly busy they are but I've had this with every surgery I've been to. I don't know if it's the norm or if I've just been unlucky, so I don't let that impact too much on this review.

I've had to wait for things that seemed less serious, but when I've called with something that could be serious I was seen within an hour, bloods within an hour and an ECG within an hour of that. When I had a cancer scare my referral was swift and I had tube down my throat within a few weeks.

If you want to be answered immediately when you call, and seen immediately no matter the problem, this surgery isn't for you. It would be a one star. If what matters to you is the quality of doctor then it'd be 5.

Knowing how many angry and frustrated people they deal with every day, through circumstances out of their control (not enough staff and underfunding) I couldn't think of doing their job, let alone in the manner they do. Whenever I've dealt with anyone whether it be nurse, doctor or receptionist they've been pleasant.

If you're angry with the lack of staff and inability to meet demands, take it up when you vote as opposed to a one star review on Google (or do both if it makes you feel better). If Four Elms were swimming in money and resources and offered the same service I'd agree with the worse reviews, but right now I'm aware of how lucky we are to have the NHS and how, at least every surgery I've been to, is struggling. I hope surgeries get the funding and resources they need.

Consistently awful, it’s always a horrible experience. Terribly disorganised, with especially poor communication between doctors and reception staff. You’re genuinely better of just dying from whatever is ailing you, rather than troubling this surgery.

The woman I spoke to over the phone was extremely rude and passive aggressive. Wouldn’t let me speak and came across as if she couldn’t stand being there.

I would recommend recruiting new staff to operate the phones. 0/10 abysmal.

I'd give no stars if I could. In need of medical attention this evening, and was told at 5pm that I could call the out of hours service after 6.30 to get checked, only to be told it's no longer a thing. Moreover, no one ever bothers to answer the phone to their customers. Absolutely ridiculous, some way to treat your patients...

Excellent! The receptionists are lovely! The nurses and Doctors are brilliant! Thanks for always giving a fantastic service ☺️