Forum Topic

Hillcrest Surgery Booking system disaster

You phone between 8.30 and 10. Explain the problem to the receptionist. The doctor phones back, could be any time. If you are out does not leave a message.Talks to you and if deemed important enough makes a booking but could be with any doctor for anytime that day.Does every surgery in Acton have this appalling system?

Bob Crossley ● 5076d10 Comments

Mill Hill has a perfectly good system, but I know of others like you describe.

Chris Hurley ● 5076d

I've already told them I don't like the new system. It was a management decision.  Try phoning outside those hours to speak to a doctor...Phone back tomorrow.  Oh well, A&E could be a better option...that is if we have any to attend.

Nicola Howard ● 5076d

Crown Street you can book a doctor way in advance but for almost all appointments you call at 0830 for morning surgery and 1330 for afternoon and can ask for a specific doctor (though I generally don't)Works well and apparently cuts down on cancellations

Sara Nathan ● 5076d

When did that happen? I've been with Hillcrest surgery for 6 years now and they had a great system whereby you rang at 8.30am for a same day appointment, which worked brilliantly. Why the change? I haven't needed the doctor for a while so was completely unaware of this.  The only thing I had noticed was that waiting times have increased hugely, I have waited 40 mins to an hour after my booked appointment time which isn't great, otherwise it's been a very good practice, but mainly because of the appointment system which was so convenient.

Milena Vincic ● 5076d

'It was a management decision.'The management consists of the three senior doctors the most senior being Dr Mark SpencerNow where have I heard that name recently?

Bob Crossley ● 5076d

Well spotted! I had no idea that's who he was.

Milena Vincic ● 5076d

It's a pity Sarah retired.

Nicola Howard ● 5076d

I was very surprised a few weeks ago to be told a doctor would ring me to assess the problem before an appointment would be made - seems a waste of a doctor's time.  I liked the old system of ringing at 08.30, though it took me a while to get used to. Somehow getting a same day appointment for a non-emergency seemed luxurious - but it did work, and I did turn out to have pneumonia at one of those non-urgent, same day appointments.

Barbara Karayi ● 5074d

It strikes me this system is asking for trouble. It will eliminate all those who only need a pill or an assurance and don't need to take up surgery time. But the opportunity for miss diagnosis is great. Yet again it's a system to help the surgery and not the patient.

Bob Crossley ● 5074d

Still don't like having to be quizzed by a receptionist.Have you ever thought that this new system may be, less work and more pay!

Nicola Howard ● 5074d