Balsall Common Medical Centre

I have registered here and found the prescription system very strange. I was told I need to put my request in writing even though they claim they have my full medical records.

I saw a physio here due to back problems and they just sat ticking boxes rather than doing anything. It felt like they just wanted to signpost me somewhere else.

They can be very helpful but are sometimes obstructive. Everything is done by a locum so you never see the same doctor which harms the continuity of care. They spend the appointment staring at the screen and rush you through so it feels like they have no time for patients. They have been there when I've needed them but the system is flawed.

I have been visiting this service regularly for dressings and the nurse is lovely. They provide an excellent service. The issue is accessing appointments. I find it difficult to get through despite the hospital telling me my GP need to re-dress my wound. It felt like I had to fight them to get this put in place.

There is a lack of mental health support available here. There is a lack of overall knowledge during my initial appointment and my follow up appointment took a year to come through. They were no help at all.

When I need an appointment I avoid the partnered practice and contact Balsall Common Medical Practice instead. I find them more helpful and responsive but appointments can still be difficult to obtain.

I do not feel that the Balsall Common Medical Centre support me as a carer. As an elderly person myself I find it very hard to look after myself and my loved one. It is important that I am well, so it is very frustrating that the service is so inconsistent. Depending on the day and who you talk to and see the service varies greatly which is disappointing.

The surgery is not consistent in the service and care they provide. Some days they are good at appointment allocations and others they are rubbish. There has been a lack of continuity of care and the doctors here seem unwilling to work in cohesion with my consultant and carryout blood tests that the consultant has said need to be done at my GP surgery. It has also been difficult getting them to refer me for an at home hearing test. It is difficult to get them to listen to you.

I have always been able to book an urgent same day appointment. By phoning up at precisely 8.30am or 2pm I manage to get through and get an appointment. The problem I experience is booking in routine appointments. I have to have regular blood tests but it is difficult to book these appointments in advance and you cannot book on the day. I have found that I have to try and book two months in advance to get these appointments, which is ridiculous. I must say that I do really rate the GPs I think they are marvellous.

Service and treatment could be improved at Balsall Common Surgery.