Portsdown Group Practices

Impressed - this was my first time at Somerstown Surgery. I was initially surprised at the lack of parking, but was able to easily find street parking just a few minutes away. I was greeted by a professional and friendly receptionist, who although on the phone made a point of acknowledging me with a smile. The nurse was also professional and friendly. I would choose to attend Somerstown Surgery again.

They were very friendly and helpful.

Appointment was on time. Very nice staff.

I had an appointment and I was there 10 mins early and I was left waiting 10 minutes.

Came in for my flu jab. The nurse and receptionist were very nice and kind.

Lack of concern or advice.
My wife had the ALS form of MND. At no time did she receive a call or visit from a GP until a brief visit from a doctor after a 999 call. His comment on her record just said she looked alright. The reason for the 999 call was because the production of saliva was preventing her from breathing properly. I found out from the ambulance crew that an emergency box was available with advice to prescribe glyco-pyrronium to suppress the production of saliva and perhaps extend her life.

Surgery clean tidy and not full of people, sanitation Station available.
Seen within minutes of arriving.

Very easy quick appointment, very pleasant staff also, as asked about few issues I had for seeing a Dr was given some informative information.

My Mother and I came in for 'flu jabs. The appointment system worked very smoothly. The nurse who administered our jabs was very pleasant and friendly. Thank you.

My appointment was for a blood test. I was offered a flu jab at the same time, which I accepted. I had expected to need to book a separate appointment.

I was sent an invite to get a flu jab by text.
It was quite simple just to click on the link given to book up an appointment at a convenient time.
On the appointment day and time I went to the surgery and I just had to wait about 10 mins to get my jab and then it was all done in about 1 min.

The nurse who attended me had difficulty getting to the vein but said she would send off the small sample of blood she was able to obtain. Eventually, two nurses got involved but both were very gentle and courteous.

Appointment ran slightly ahead of time, which was fine. Friendly greeting from member of staff. A very positive experience. Thank you to all involved.

Very efficient and friendly nurse.

The nurse was very friendly and positive in her approach.

The booking in system didnt recognise me but the receptionist was very professional and checked my details and booked me in.
The waiting area was clean and tidy with social distancing still in place which was good to see.

I received a letter from the Practice advising me to have a flu jab and the telephone number to ring. Over the next three days I endeavoured to make contact using this number and each time told “this line is very busy, hang up and try again.”
When I was next in Cosham I went in to Cosham Park House to see if I could book one there. “No problem” I was told. “Would you like it done now, we have free walk-in sessions.” In ten minutes it was done and I left the building.
I gather there were also walk-in sessions at Kingston Crescent Surgery.
Why couldn’t this information have been stated in the letter that was sent out?
It would have saved frustration for the patient in trying to ring that number and also saved overloading the practice switchboard with unnecessary calls.

I feel that the response of the Surgery to the new environment has not been thought out.
The Surgery layout has not altered. No furniture has been bought or leased to allow a better use of space. Nothing with plastic screens to catch exhaled aerosols. No forced air circulation & UV treatment to cut infection.
The entrance has not been expanded onto the outside space with a prefab porch to screen arrivals.
The reception area has not been upgraded with microphones and speakers. The sanitiser and check in tablet are not easily accessible.
The Fire Door on the corridor has not been repurposed as an exit.
The eConsult menus have not been updated to reflect the pressure on the NHS. Any path leading to a need for immediate action should respond with an instruction to call 111 or use the 111 website. At present, the screen gives a less clear instruction to seek immediate help.
I was disappointed that the GP I spoke to about an injured wrist could not offer a referral to St Mary's Treatment Centre for X-ray. I was surprised he was unaware St Marys triage and turn away patients when the backlog rises above the shift's capacity.

During my visit for a flu jab my sister fell ill in the car park. The amazing nurse and doctor went out to help her and examined her and called an ambulance. They were truly brilliant.

I managed to get appointment, as it's very hard to getting any and my health is not great,