Portsdown Group Practices

Did an online consult, Doctor rung me with an appointment, saw a lady doctor and we discussed my problem, given a prescription to try. Was very happy with how l was dealt with.

It took me over 3 weeks to get my last doctor's appointment booked. The lines are engaged when I press option 1 or 2, and it can take over an hour of trying before getting through. Then, I can find myself at the end of a queue of 10 to 14 people before my call is actually answered by a receptionist.
Like most people, I work 9 to 5. The day I managed to make my booking, I was on hold (in position 14!!!), at work, having put my headsets on so I could hear what position in the queue I was in. This is clearly not ideal as I am supposed to be working, not being on hold with my surgery. Most time, I need to hang up before my call is answered as I need to do some work.
Two weeks ago, I was on hold on option 2 for 30 minutes before a male receptionist answers the phone. I briefly said I wanted 2 appointments, one for me and one for my partner. The untrained, non-medical receptionist then asked me why I wanted an appointment (why? I am never normally asked this question when I call for an appointment) and upon understanding I had ear problems, he advised that I should go to the pharmacist. I asked him why and he explained that it was the first port of call for all ear issues. I found that very odd considering he didn't know my symptoms, but I did as I was instructed, talked to a pharmacist who advised that I should go to the doctor's as there was nothing she could do for me. The pharmacist was as surprised as I was that the surgery advised I should see her. She didn't seem to be aware that pharmacists are the first port of call in case of ear problems...
Regarding my partner's appointment, the untrained receptionist said that if it is related to his wrist arthritis then he should call back on Monday and ask to talk to the musculo skeletal team, even though he knows nothing of my partner's medical history. My partner has so far not managed yet to get through the surgery to talk to the MST. My partner is a school teacher and so cannot take time during the day to call the surgery and remain on hold for half an hour until someone picks up his call. On the off chance he does manage to talk to someone on option 1, he then has to wait for a doctor to call back which he can't do for the same reason: he has a class full of kids and can't just keep his phone handy and answer it when it rings. He basically is unable to make appointments with your surgery using your booking system during the school year.
Basically, booking an appointment with your surgery is becoming increasingly challenging and frustrating. I only have an ear problem, but I can imagine that people with more serious medical conditions will find this system completely unfit for purpose as well as incredibly tiresome. For some people, this is a frustration and a tediousness that should be avoided.

The response of the GP was good and the reception too.

Professional and polite staff.

I attended Cosham Park Surgery for blood testing, the appointment was on time, the lady taking the blood, whose name was Mandy did a very professional job and I felt perfectly at ease, and the taking of blood took less than two minutes.

I am very impressed with everything that I have been to the practice for. My previous practice in Cornwall was not nearly as good.

Not pleased it took 5 days to see the respiratory nurse.

The doctors are excellent and understanding... getting an appointment without declaring an emergency is all but impossible. The decision to not allow people to use a different queue and hand write what they need for a prescription apparently saves the doctor a few seconds reading difficult handwriting (oh the irony) but means a potential 30 minute wait in a long queue as reception staff are seen to walk around the back rooms instead of being on reception even during busy times. Prescriptions used to be 48 hours but now the surgery is "customer focused' they are 72... and in fact my last was put in Monday midday and not ready Thursday 3pm (so Friday morning was the real time) meaning 92 hours... obviously aimed to help the customer...

I called in to my surgery to make a future appointment and ask a question.
I had recently received a text informing me that I was due for a booster inoculation. As soon as the words left my lips it was suggested I sat in the waiting room and the evil deed would be done there and then! And it was!!

Not impressed at all when I send in a letter asking for blood pressure pills. I dont expect to be
told by a receptionist we dont deal with things in the same day, utter incompetence so if I get taken ill
because you cant be bothered to issue a blood pressure prescription your to blame, no excuses I take back any good comments I made before, I would not recommend you to anyone at all. Rubbish service.

Very efficient, professional and friendly staff members.

Very efficient, friendly and professional staff members.

Dr Monnery always takes time to understand how my mental health is affecting me. He cares and I never feel rushed.

Prompt and professional service. Very helpful staff behind the counter.

Always had great treatment and diagnosis from caring doctors and staff.

The nurse practitioner that I saw was lovely but were I needed a doctor to come out I spent the next 4 days in bed and my daughter had to phone 111 and they sent the ambulance and paramedics out where I felt so ill and I think if the doctor had come out and I didn’t have to drag myself to the doctors I wouldn’t have ended up so ill. I know you are all under pressure but to try and get a doctor out or get an appointment is getting beyond it .

Seeing the doctor was lovely... Getting the appointment was not... Starting ringing at 8am...just getting cut off... At least 15 times! When I finally got in a queue probably after 25 rings I got through... Nearly an hour on the phone... I would have cried if I couldn't get an appointment... This needs to be addressed!

I had to call a doctor out following a fall, the doctor immediately called an ambulance as I had fractured my pelvis. Spent nearly 3 weeks in hospital and aftercare has been excellent

I am satisfied with the treatment I have received the staff are always helpful.

The best, A1, thanks.