SHP - Monkspath Surgery

This service used to be marvellous but has deteriorated significantly. They are still good for vaccinations at least.

I find it very hard to book appointments at the surgery. It's hard to get through on the telephone so I often try by going into the surgery. My most recent experience is that no appointments were available and the only advance appointment they could offer was in two weeks time at another surgery which is not convenient. I have been told that I will have to keep trying everyday. The system is very frustrating.

Asthma reviews are a waste of time. Some of them have been carried out over the telephone and I do not feel that a proper assessment can be carried out over the telephone.

I am generally happy with the surgery. Recent improvements to the appointment system have been good. It bothers me that they ask you to attend other surgeries that are not local and I simply do not want to. The doctors are generally good but I have experienced recent concerns about a medication that has been prescribed. I have been unable to get an appointment to discuss the matter further so have just made my own informed decision to not take the medication.

The surgery on the whole is very good. It can be difficult to get appointments at times but I can get an appointment when I really need one. Being a part of the SHP groups means that appointments are offered at various locations but the parking at some surgeries is not great, which can be a problem.

I have never experienced any problems with the surgery despite the negative stories that I hear. I have no trouble getting an appointment when I need one, the doctors are great and I am happy with the service.

The reception staff are very helpful. I received a text message to book a doctors appointment following tests but I was unsure who I needed an appointment with. The receptionist explained everything to me and an appointment was booked at another SHP site for two weeks time as the appointment was not urgent.

Terrible every single time. It is near impossible to get an appointment whilst somehow still blaming COVID for SHP's own silly decisions and failings. The fact it’s still like this after years is ridiculous, people deserve better.

I have given up trying to access any prompt or timely doctors appointments in the SHP group. In my experience, the ‘gatekeeper’ receptionists are polite but often do not have the required skills to filter you to the support you need. With regards to obtaining an appointment to see a GP, they seem unable to offer appropriate or timely support. Any advice they do offer has on occasion been misleading or inaccurate leading to lengthy delays in processing urgent referrals or prescriptions from oncologists and/or other medical experts.

I work from 8am to 5pm. I can’t be spending ages in a queue while at work when I just want a non urgent appointment. The fight for appointments at 8am does not work for everyone and there is no consideration of this. There is no flexibility in the system for people who can’t make the 8-9 scramble.