The Village Surgeries Group

Prepare to be constantly fobbed off by the receptionists. They make it as difficult as possible for you. It's like talking to a brick wall sometimes. Actually, a brick wall is more helpful! It's a horrible experience. However, the Doctors that I have seen have all been brilliant.

Absolutely low service, no help, no appointments, no good doctors ! and this is happening in the 21st century?

Just really disappointing. Ignoring the difficulties for getting a F2F consultation which I am aware of through past experiences - I had a VERY simple requirement for a my Doctor to sign a Visa applicationm form to confirm my fitness. 2 minute job at most to review my medical records and sign the form. Appreciate this is not a medical emergency but without it I cannot perform my job. Multiple other colleuges got the same service without any issue from their local doctors. Advised by receptionist that they do not provide this service, without realy understanding the simplicity of requirement. When questioned I was advised to raise a complaint online. Not really the experience I was hoping for and wholly non personal and disappointing. Not the receptionists fault who no doubt have to bear the brunt of frustrations by unsatisfied clients such as myself but just not the level of service I would have expected for a local surgery.
In fairness once I have had finally got to use doctors there in the past I have had no complaints.

Absolutely no privacy, receptionists don't seem to realise you may not want to discuss personal information with everyone else in the tiny waiting room at the farndon surgery.

Almost impossible to get a same day appointment, over 100 redials and still no answer

Like so many of the other reviews on here I dread having to call this surgery. After 146 redials, I finally get through, then on hold for 10 minutes only to be told no appointments are available and to call again tomorrow or self diagnose on the 111 website. There is one receptionist I seem to get EVERY time (and I don't call unless I absolutely have to!) who is very abrupt, uninterested and completely without compassion. I understand Doctors receptionists get a rough deal from some patients - I have never been one of those patients, so anticipate being treated with respect and dignity (as the long-winded recorded message at the Surgery demands of us), not with disdain. That said, if you do actually manage to get an appointment with an actual Doctor - they are great!

It is difficult to get hold of anyone in this practice, as they flatly refuse to supply any method of modern electronic communication. I asked for one and was told that all patients must telephone only. Often there are long queues on the phone (during which you have to listen to long pre-recorded messages about not being abusive). It is impossible to get hold of them in any way other than the phone, as they have also turned off the messaging service that accompanies the on-line booking system. I can't believe they are living so far in the past. Other surgeries, dentists etc, supply an alternative method of electronic contact. What if you want to send a URL to your GP to explain what you have read up on about your condition? It is impossible. Whereas I certainly DON'T approve of any sort of abuse, I think it is probably no wonder that some people get frustrated and angry with the receptionists when they finally get through, after waiting for ages in a phone queue, every time they want to contact their local health provider, (while also having to listen to the same long reprimand about not being abusive each time).
Their admin needs a rethink, so you can get in touch with them when you need to.

I'm sure the doctors are great...if you ever get to see one! You just can't trust the receptionists. I made an appointment several weeks ago which was supposed to take place today over the phone. I never received the phone call so rang them to inquire why. They weren't sure but promised to get back to me. I never received a call back so called again a few hours later. It turns out I had never been booked in for an appointment and now I have to wait 3 more weeks.

This is unacceptable, but unfortunately all I can do is wait. And complain. And wait some more. And hope that one day they will get more reliable receptionists.