The Orchards

Went to an appointment with a family member here yesterday (22-8-18) and was pleasantly surprised at just how welcoming the receptionist was on arrival. A nice friendly smile, voice and manner that would initially calm anyone's appointment nerves when entering. This continued whist we were waiting to be called into appointment . Not only with others entering but when people were leaving and when answering the phone. I myself have a lot of appointments with in the medical field and although reception staff on the whole are kind and helpful there is no 'you will be fine.. Its OK...' type of voice or look from their eyes and more often than not a very forced smile if you're lucky! So this lady was a pleasant surprise from the normal 'robotic' routines normally shown. On the way out I thought to myself that we are all too quick to complain when things go wrong or staff are rude but not many give / receive praise where its due... So i I went and told the receptionist excatly what I have basically said above. It truly made her day! Hence putting it on here too in the hope her boss may see and just say a sincere 'Thank You' for a job well done.
Would also like to add the person who app was with called us in early.. A nice refreshing change for an NHS app anywhere and was also lovely and professional.
The building its self very nice and clean from what I saw.. Not that I was really looking... But had no obvious dirty tables or seats.. No Tissues laying about or plastic cups/bottles etc.
Well done The Orchards... You doing great!!!

No one answers the phone, my daughter has an an appointment with the muskelatal department and she’s been in hospital and I can’t find the letter for the next appointment, and she’s not going to make it. But because I can’t get through on the phone I’ll probably get a letter telling me. If you don’t turn up then you will be taken off the list. And your website needs some helpful information, like a phone number & an email address

Lovely place with lovely staff.

Appalling. I attended to support my friend at her daughter's paediatric appointment. The doctor didn't even glance at the kids until the end of the appointment. She left cupboards unlocked with confidential paperwork inside and didn't notice or care if the kids went inside, of course I was there to stop them but the doctor still does have responsibility for her office. She talked AT my friend and didn't consider that the information (about medication dosage) may not be remembered post the appointment because my friend was distracted by her two children who were very excitable at the time. I had to ask the doctor to send an email with the information in. The doctor also couldn't explain why young children can't be diagnosed with ADHD, aside from saying 'there's no point as we can't give them medication anyway, and at that age it's a behaviour issue'. Perhaps if she had spent time observing my friend's kids rather than reciting her textbook she would understand it's not always down to behaviour. Additionally why not look for options that don't involve medication in the meantime? Suggest going to a nutritionist, exercises that might help, behavioural specialists, natural remedies... the list is endless and the doctor was clueless. And why should the first option be medication? You just have to look at the side effects in the insert of any medication to know they shouldn't be the first port of call. I feel so sorry for parents that have no option but to use these services.

My daughter was booked in for a hearing test here. I personally was thrilled I wouldn't have to travel to Canterbury as I have previously. Ample parking and wheelchair accessible entrance. The building was modern and clean. The lady on reception was friendly and informative. We sat down for what must've been 30 seconds before being greeted by the audiologist (forgotten her name) who was absolutely brilliant with my daughter. So much so, my daughter spoke about the 'nice ear doctor' for days after. I have no worries about returning again soon.

Impressive building with good services