The Castle Practice

I don't feel that I am listened to by staff because I appear younger than I am. My young child had ongoing stomach issues and due to family medical history and my own experience I knew that my son had a dietary condition. I repeatedly told the doctors about my concerns but they kept dismissing me. In the end I took my mom with me to an appointment to support and advocate on my behalf and I only feel that I was taken seriously after this point.

It's difficult to get an appointment. If you manage to get through on the phone line your usually told that all appointments have gone and that you need to call again the next day. The cycle continues and it can end up being days before you actually manage to book an appointment.

Telephone appointments can be great for alleviating patient waiting times for appointments with the GP, but there is no understanding when an appointment is missed. Recently I missed a call from the Doctor due to using W.C facilities. I allowed a time for a call back but when it did not come I contacted the surgery to be told that I would have to call again the next day for another appointment . Surely there has to be some understanding from staff that a person has to go on with their daily lives/work while waiting for their telephone call. They cannot expect patients to sit looking at their phones all day and not use the toilet when the call could come at any time during the day.

I only have praise for my doctors surgery. They are fantastic. I never have any problems getting appointments and the care I receive is always outstanding.

Its difficult getting a GP appointment, telephone consultations can be a great option but sometimes you need to physically see your doctor.

I've been going to Castle Practice for the arthritis in my knees for a long time but they haven't referred me for any investigation. Just keep giving me pain killers and recommending physio which is hard at my age. I've been getting worse and had a few falls recently but they couldn't see me so referred me elsewhere. Luckily I've got a relative who cares for me who could bring me if I didn't have her I would have struggled to get here.

Staff are friendly and accommodating outcome of call can depend on who you speak to. I request face to face appointments which are usually accommodated. Today I have been referred to another practice so that my child can be seen by a GP.

I have been with Castle practice for many years. Great staff. Never had a problem getting an appointment.

I feel like my mental health issues are pushed to the side by GPs. I feel like I've been treated badly by GPs, like I'm beneath them.

I had a mental health crisis and received on going support from a specific doctor. She called me to check in with me regularly and the surgery now make sure that all my appointments are with her, not only mine but for the rest of my family too.