Alchester Medical Group - Victoria House Surgery

Unfortunately I had put off calling to try to get an appointment after a conversation 4-6 weeks ago with the lady I presume most of the negative reviews are regarding. I was so relieved that it wasn't her on the phone today when I called back. The e-consult system really doesn't seem to work anymore, I tried 3 times on 3 separate days when my GP was working, all were rejected as her list had closed for the day (last one submitted at 9.30am). I think they are just too busy to use the system effectively. When I called to ask what to do the patient coordinator was so rude and unhelpful. She kept talking over me, repeating over and over that I needed to submit an e-consult. I finally got out of her that I could try calling at 8am on my GPs next working day, but as they were on holiday it would be two weeks away. I get that she is probably very overwhelmed and exhausted from repeating information she is told to give, however a bit of compassion when dealing with patients who are probably very anxious about being sick would be appreciated. Not everyone calling is a time waster! I called back today, the paramedic was absolutely brilliant, as was the male patient coordinator I spoke with. I was seen within 2 hours of calling, diagnosed and prescription issued on same day. I didn't even need to see my allocated GP so could have seen the paramedic the first time I called if the female patient coordinator was a bit more helpful.
Apr 25th, 2023

I received excellent service today. Thank you.
Mar 22nd, 2023

Really unhelpful.
Feb 26th, 2023

Even though some of the nurses and doctors are actually very good, the overall service and experience are terrible, with some of the staff being apathetic and negligent.
Feb 20th, 2023

Usually this surgery and patient Co ordinators are amazing, very helpful and what not however Janelle (that may be the wrong way to spell her name) was not helpful or advised me on what else I could do (I explained what was wrong as you're meant to do and explained that I can not get to a chemist etc) she became rude and gave me attitude which I do not expect or should have to tolerate from a doctors surgery. This kind of attitude is appalling and inappropriate for a surgery especially regarding a small child's health. If you can not phone up your own doctors surgery and ask for help (they advise to tell the patient Co ordinators aka receptionist) then what can you do?! Thank you very much to the impolite lady. I started the conversation politely asking for help and she gave me attitude straight away. Maybe some people need to reconsider working in this sector. It is a shame because before they are lovely and helpful, I do not know if she was having a bad day but no need to be impolite to me. Update! I was able to phone Ahmeys Pharmacy and they helped me straight away with advice which as I'm aware a patient Co ordinator is supposed to do once you tell them the problem or at least not belittle you and give you attitude. Next udpate: The nurses, especially Joanna who usually does my 12 week injections is absolutely amazing! I can not fault her. She goes above and beyond, you can clearly see she has a natural caring nature and she always puts me at ease with the injection. My doctor is okay as well but trying to get an appointment is very difficult, being a solo mum who doesn't drive nor lives in Bicester makes it very awkward to try and work around my already VERY tight schedule. You can only phone up to speak to your doctor (if you're lucky) on the day they work. Another update: I have a young child and have been trying to get an appointment booked for the last month on and off. I'm a solo mum, I work, and have been turned away to pre book an appointment for my son so I can then arrange time off work. I submitted an econsult to then be texted that they can not accept 2 medical concerns on the same form and to re submit 2 separate forms signed by, you guessed it, the patient co-ordinators! What a joke! No wonder the hospitals are overcrowded, I had to go in recently to a hospital for my son as couldn't get a doctors appointment and the hospital staff were appalled that I had to be seen by them, thankfully I did go to A&E as he needed a steroid. I guess I'll try in a couple of days to get an appointment.
Mar 15th, 2023