SHP - Haslucks Green Medical Centre

I have attended this surgery when SHP have been unable to offer me an appointment at my own GP surgery. My experience has always been good due to the staff who are lovely.

There are long waiting times on the telephone service. It can take over an hour to speak to a receptionist, to be told there are no appointments. You are then told to phone back tomorrow at 8am, but you just have exactly the same experience and there are still NO appointments. This has happened to me on numerous occasions. I have been so desperate in the past that I have used A&E. I've even been told by friends to use a service that you pay £20 for to speak to a doctor. Not being able to see a doctor at your GP surgery is just not right!

The surgery has been no support and have offered no guidance. We have just been left to navigate the system ourselves. We feel very let down.

Since joining the Solihull Health Partnership the service has improved slightly. Booking an appointment is still difficult and it is impossible to get through on the phone, but I can now get an appointment if I attend the surgery in person. I have experienced a lack of continuity of care throughout my prostate cancer journey which has been very stressful and most disappointing.

Phoning to book an appointment really is a 'journey'! The people you speak to on the phone are not the receptionists at the surgery which is a shame because the staff in the surgery are pleasant and helpful unlike those on the telephone. I have been lucky today and have managed to get an appointment for my child. When I called I was 46th in the queue but managed to secure an appointment at another surgery in the SHP group. It has taken me 2 hours on the phone in the past just to get into the telephone queue but when you have young children attending in person for an appointment is really not possible with the long waiting times. I avoid the GP surgery if I can and seek medical treatment at alternative emergency/urgent care centres when possible.

I am a new patient at the surgery after moving into the area. Today was the first time I have needed an appointment and it went very smoothly. When I arrived there was a very large queue and I thought I would be waiting for a long time. The booking in machine had broken down and staff worked quickly to get it back up and running. Once this was done the queue subsided, and I was in and out quickly for an appointment with the nurse. The staff were very pleasant and helpful. The nurse took good care of me changing a dressing.

I find it much easier to book appointments in person. I attended the surgery to book a follow up blood test. An appointment was made for the following week, which I was very happy about.

My overall experience has been very good. I always manage to get an appointment when needed. The doctors are very good, I feel that they really listen to me and work with me to find the right course of action.

The surgery have been helpful and supportive with seeking a diagnosis for dementia. Whilst my care falls mainly on my husband we would not hesitate to contact the surgery for further help and guidance if needed.

The doctors have been fantastic. Dr Patel made a very quick urgent referral for investigation and I have received good care, support and treatment during my cancer treatment.