Hockley Medical Practice

My GP is one that God created for elderly people. He explains everything and asks how you are and about your medication. He always finds time for me even when he is busy. I was having a lot of headaches and the GP sent me to City Hospital who wanted to start me on steroids as there is a main artery in my head causing issues, but needed some blood tests done. The GP did these quickly and I am now having steroids. I saw my GP last week as my face was swelling and he said that he will reduce the dosage. The steroids are helping and my headaches have reduced.

My daughter is diabetic and the doctor at the practice is good with her and with her medication.

They are not helpful. Don't bother going to them. The reception is terrible - the line is always busy so when you call they do not answer. I have spent over 40 minutes waiting on the phone to speak to reception before. It is a waste of time and I am not impressed. There is an online option to book appointments but I find it difficult as I am too old and I also find it too impersonal. I have never actually seen my doctor. I used to have a check up every 6 months but the practice nurse left after being treated badly by the practice. One doctor did come out to see my wife, but it took 3 or 4 weeks to get someone out. The doctors at the practice seem to swap and change and there is a high staff turnover. The practice has at least 3 surgeries so they must be spread thin. I thought the previous doctor at the practice was good, however, it turns out that he prescribed me diabetes medication when I am actually not diabetic and so for years I was taking medication unnecessarily. Apparently this was due to the doctor mixing his patients up. There are so many bureaucratic barriers and the manager deals with everything. My wife changed to a local GP and it is similar problems there with having to call before 8:30 am and not being able to get through or book appointments.

Admin helped me with get my prescription sorted and the phone lines weren’t jammed for hours and all staff have been lovely. Doctor organising my repeat was really nice, so far am really happy I joined the practice.

I was very disappointed with my recent appointment. The experience was far from patient-centred care. I was not given the opportunity to fully explain why I was there; I was interrupted several times and unable to finish my sentences.

I requested a blood test but was never informed what would be checked. This is a basic right, and patients should always be given clear information about their treatment.

There was no compassion shown during the consultation. I was stressed and worried about my health but did not feel supported or understood.

I left the appointment feeling dismissed, anxious, and unheard, which is unacceptable.

Two weeks on still waiting for my medical summary my taxi badge is about to expire I urgently need the later, instead of printing out the later, just wasting of time. Very weak customer service skill.

Shocking! So difficult to get an appointment. Rude reception staff and they simply don’t care. They missed my health condition. I raised concerns with the CQC and they rated the practice as good. It says it all really. Read the google and healthwatch reviews. This was once a good practice but since a previous Dr left, it’s gone downhill. I left this practice as I was genuinely worried they would miss something. Some of the reception staff do not treat patients with respect or dignity.

They took a long time to register me. But once I was they were fine. They give good advice and I can get appointments. They told me to use 111 whilst I was waiting.

Unbelievable, you call 8:00 am and at 8:29 no more appointments, Someone told me to call 111. I thought they ignored me and my condition.

This service is excellent. The doctors provide very good advice and treatment and I'm happy with the care overall.