Blackthorn Medical Centre

Infuriating. I enjoy nothing more than clarifying dates and times for a blood test, adding them to a calendar and taking time off of work. (of which I won't be paid for) To drive the 35 mins to the practice to be told its booked for the day after. Times aren't hard enough as it is for the financial squeeze that you can even be bothered to double check times and dates properly. Polite as the staff are and most of the doctors are genuinely good and well intentioned, this practice is hit or miss when it comes to getting help.

Was told by receptionist because I hadn't used the surgery frequently enough they've classed me as an "inactive patient" and i've been removed.

Usually they would ask to confirm your address but today this wasn't an option.

No chance to speak to a doctor and the receptionist told me to call 111 before abruptly ending the call.

I only use the GP when extremely necessary since I'm usually very busy and don't like to make a fuss or burden the system, seems like I have been penalized because of it.

Since covid accessing a GP has become a nightmare when it really doesn't have to be, I don't know if it's incompetence or if they prefer having less work to do but the staff seem to be indifferent on the phone.

The most rude and no empathy, if they doesn’t like their job, they must find one that suits them. They give time and date of appointment but seems like your fault that you appeared and no clear communication given. The receptionist is rudest I have encounter. Please improve your service.

It's hard to get through the phone and when you finally arrive to the surgery, used to, the reception staff can be condescending and passively rude. The doctors don't listen and on one occasion used a Google to check symptoms. The box outside for prescribed medication request doesn't comply with data protection! The box was at one point unlocked with patient details inside.....I would opt for a new surgery...but it'll probably be worse. I never had bad experience with NHS, but surgeries are shocking.

Update: I've tried to call the alternative number they tell you to dial out of hours
This number just rings out

.

These people are the best! Nurses, Doctors and office staff are all very competent, friendly and helpful, so my 5* rating is based on that.
Biggest problem is phoning in, like all GP surgeries across the country that is far from optimum and you can wait. Similar issue with getting appointments, but that's another national problem.
Their (national) online prescription system has been down for months and they should get it taken off their website.. I send in an email now.

My family and I have been a member of this surgery for over 5 years and always received good care and a friendly service. I don’t want to give them less than 5 stars as I know they’ve worked hard over the pandemic. But I think we really should be able to have more in-person appointments now, sometimes a phone call is not appropriate.

We have been patients at Blackthorn Medical Centre for 14 years and sadly have had to leave because we have moved out of area. During our time with the Surgery we have received nothing but the very very best of care from all the staff. The Doctors have been thorough, attentive and caring, the Nurses have all been efficient and caring and the Administrative staff always listened to our requests and acted efficiently. Thank you one and all from both of us, we will miss you and can only hope that our new Surgery is able to match the care we have become accustomed to.

If I could give it no stars I would in a heart beat. Appalling reception staff which clearly lack communication skills amongst each other and the patient. Give no clarity or any sense of straight forwardness to patients and have evidently taken advantage of this pandemic to speak in an even worse manner on the phone. Waited five months patiently to get a call with a GP and every time attempting to emphasise my student schedule and hope for some sense of understanding. None. I cannot believe they make picking up a phone and talking to people like the most painful job in the world.

They were also very disorganised with one of my prescriptions and didn't communicate to me that they hadn't done their part after the doctor had actually put it forward so I told outside the pharmacy for no reason waiting for medication.

Honestly, a frog would talk to you better than the reception staff here.