Amersham Vale Practice Reviews Summary

Booking Process

Pros:

• "The booking process was straightforward."
• "When I telephoned (early morning), I got through to reception within 2 minutes."
• "Although I had to make 8 calls before I got through, once connected the person listened to what I was saying and although she wasn't able to offer me a face to face appointment this morning, she did offer me a call back this morning from a doctor, so I was reasonably satisfied with the outcome of my call."
• "The booking system can be quite frustrating, using the online tool is the easiest."
• "The practice, as mentioned, has an online tool - putting blood test results in their entirety on there would be an absolute breeze and improve the service a lot."

Cons:

• "There was a minimum wait time of one week."
• "Very difficult to see a doctor physically. There is no option to book physical consultation online."
• "Booking an appointment is incredibly hard as none of the online tools seem to work."
• "It’s impossible to get through to anyone as most of their online booking systems are faulty, including the ASKFIRST app that they try and shove down every patients throat."
• "So hard to get a GP appointment."
• "phoning in is a complete waste of time - the phone will either ring off for all eternity or you'll suddenly be hung up on (had this happen a few times!)"
• "I would love to give a higher rating as I think the staff are decent people. But, it is IMPOSSIBLE to get an appointment."

Staff Interaction

Pros:

• "The doctor I was assigned to was easy to communicate with and conducted a thorough examination."
• "Mr. Benjamin Wright assured us he would discuss our concerns regarding our son's condition with the doctor."
• "I spoke to Lianne. She was so helpful and kind."
• "Excellent reception staff, especially Bita, called me back after solving my enquiry, calm, polite, friendly, and very efficient."
• "I just want to say a big 'thank you' from the bottom of my heart to Dr Wessely, Dr Juman and Dr Verity for taking care of me and listened to me when you saw me."
• "Today I got the pleasure of speaking to Dr Wesley about this referral. He was so helpful, kind and understanding and really validated my struggles."
• "This review is solely for Dr Lola Fakoya-Sales. She is an amazing, caring and very competent doctor."

Cons:

• "The entire system seems to be structured to direct you away from clinician care."
• "Receptionists, speak to service users in a passive aggressive and disrespectful way."
• "Receptionists with zero medical training want to play doctors."
• "You then wait forever for someone to answer their ‘busy’ phone line to be greeted by the rudest receptionists (bar maybe one)."
• "The lady talking to me she is very rude and rushing."
• "In my experience the reception staff are rude and unprofessional."

Quality of Care

Pros:

• "I received reassuring news about the negative test results by the end of the day."
• "An incredibly helpful and informative experience with Nurse Catherine."
• "I saw nurse Catherine Rose today for my smear, and she was one of the loveliest most helpful nurses I’ve ever seen."
• "If only she (Dr Lola Fakoya-Sales) could train other GPs there would be a lot more satisfied patients."

Cons:

• "If you have a phone appointment, you are expected to be available for a two hour window."
• "They once lost my application form for tests on disability."
• "Doctors will see the image, diagnose you and cancel the appointment without speaking to you."
• "Absolutely appalling health service, felt like I was just the subject of a transaction rather than a human with a health issue."

Overall Experience

Pros:

• "I have always had very good experience with clinical staff also. Thank you."
• "A really positive experience. Thank you!"
• "Keep up the good work to you all the team there at Amersham Vale!"
• "If you're scared or worried about getting your covid jab, I understand its daunting but rest assured that the team is incredibly supportive, all of your questions are answered."

Cons:

• "I have never seen such a poorly run clinical place.This practice is beyond poor."
• "Extremely disappointed in the way the practice is run now, staff require training to deal with service users."
• "This used to be a great GP surgery once but it's unrecognizable these days."
• "Literally the worst practice I’ve ever had to deal with."
• "I would actually give 0 starts if there was an option."
• "Don't get me wrong, I'd recommend the place, it just has some niggles that need ironing out!"