The Castle Practice

I have received good care here, I have not seen the midwife much though as I already have all of the information I need.

It can be very difficult getting through on the telephone, but the receptionists are helpful and very responsive when I request an appointment for my mental health. I have been on medication for 10 years and have never been referred for specialist help with my mental health struggles. The doctor has explained that they do not think I should have been on this medication for so long, and I would like to stop taking them eventually, but I struggle to see how this will happen without being able to access specialist help for which I need them to refer me.

I can usually get an appointment when I need one. The receptionists do their job but I feel that some of them lack people skills. I have found the doctors helpful with my recent mental health struggles and they have given me information about how to self-refer for additional help and support. The only thing they could offer me was medication which I declined.

Due to an admin error my visit here was a waste of time as my appointment was cancelled. I chased this issue several times and the communication wasn't great. I never met the midwife that is based here due to these issues.

Getting an appointment can be tricky and I often have to hold for quite some time. That said when you do get an appointment the doctors are very good. They give you their time, listen to your concerns and I have never felt rushed.

I have only had to see the midwife at my surgery once so far. The appointment went well and I was provided with clear information and contact details for if I have any queries or concerns.

It seems my husbands prescription was accidentally sent to Buchan's instead of Browns, they had the prescription since 30th November, but not everything available, we queried why it had been sent to the wrong pharmacy, we wouldn’t have known but for a further appointment with the practice nurse. Prescription sent back by Buchan's who then told to us to go to Browns. Went back to the castle practice reception I asked if it could be sent electronically, we were told no and to take it ourselves, this means two buses and a long walk for me as we are both disabled. Ridiculous, No complaint about nurse, just no need for this.

My experience has been really positive. I find it easy to book appointments. The staff are all very friendly and helpful. The doctors are good, they take the time to listen and full explain things to me, offering good advice.

I can never get through on the phone line to book an appointment. The only way to get it is to queue in person from 8am. Once you see a GP they are ok. I see the nurse every 12 months for a diabetes check. The nurses are ok. The main problem with the surgery is accessing appointments with a GP.

I find this surgery very good. I always manage to get an appointment when I need one for either myself or the children.