I attended A&E at Heartlands Hospital in the middle of the night after being a victim of a violent crime. I did not feel well cared for by the staff at A&E. Tests were run but I received no treatment. I was not even given painkillers. My experience was awful.
The waiting times at the antenatal clinic are poor I do not feel like I am treated like a person just a number that they need to get to and send home. I have found that communication has not been great, they do not do a very good job of explaining things to me.
Bad experience again bully nurse Dr at hospital with mum not helpful bad rude Dr nurse hospital I have said Birmingham hospital not helpful not listening to us not care for mum . They hide things from us not tell us anything. The Dr at hospital not listening to us bad rude nurse Dr manager in charge unit hospital.
website submission 09/09/2025
I didn't like them, they were taking bloods and the other lady on the ambulance was training. It really hurt mom when she took her bloods. They didn't ask if she was happy with the trainee and I didn't know if she was qualified, but she didn't know what she was doing.
They looked after my sister really well who has diabetes. She has type 1 and her levels can be unpredictable and they kept her in for a few days, but she was well looked after there.
Had a blood test for reoccurring nosebleeds and also have PCOS. Had said there wasn't much they could do so referred me onto the hospital.
They're brilliant, they deliver my medications and they're easy to get in contact with when I need to.
I was recently admitted and spent four days in the local hospital due to cholecystitis. Personally I felt I was treated well in all respects. However I was put on a small ward with at the most 4 beds occupied by elderly women (including myself). I just felt that the nurses were run ragged, particularly by two of the patients with mental health issues who were particularly noisy, shouting and demanding almost constant attention. I can only commend the nursing staff for their patience over what were some very hot and uncomfortable days and nights. Fortunately I am usually very fit and was able to look after myself despite the discomfort I was experiencing but I did lose my cool on one night when I resorted to shouting back at one of these patients who appeared then to realise she wasn't the only one on the ward! Even the nurses had occasion to reprimand her. They were strict and to the point with her but very professional at all times.
By the time we get home from our GP appointment, the pharmacies delivering mom's prescription that evening. They're brilliant.
I'm really happy with my services I use, and honestly it's all good. That's all I want to say.
My daughter is under Birmingham Children's Hospital and needs to have blood tests at least a couple of times per year. Now, there's a website which promises immediate access at various sites in Birmingham for children aged 12-18. But it turns out that it's either Heartlands Hospital or certain days at a medical centre, also in East Birmingham. So we have to travel for miles to get a blood test and the soonest appointment is weeks away. BCH has fitted us in with an appointment as we're under a BCH consultant, but the person I spoke to told me that the problem is that GPs won't take blood from anyone under 18, and they give out the BCH phlebotomy number so they're swamped and the earliest appointment is August. So if you're trying to get a blood test for a child through a GP, you're going to be travelling for miles, or waiting for months. Is Healthwatch aware of this terrible service for children in Birmingham? Why can't GPs take blood from children who are old enough to sit still? Why are children, yet again, just left with a terrible service? If you don't have a car you're looking at pretty much a whole day off school to travel on buses to Heartlands Hospital just to get your child a blood test. I think this is appalling and is something that BSOL ICB should address. My complaint is not about the phlebotomy service, they're doing their best, it's about the system that allows GPs to opt out of providing a basic service for children, and having done so, fails to put in place adequate provision to cover the deficiency.
I'm still waiting for them to fix my teeth. They arranged the initial appointment but I have been chasing them and have not heard from them.
Amazing care and support provided by the Clift team. The staff are very caring, helpful and supportive.
Birmingham Children\'s 21/02/2024
I cannot tell you who the Doctors are. My Doctor retired but not told who is my current doctor. They were taken over by something called MOM but no letter or information sent out to patients. I keep getting requests for various things and told to book by clicking on link but there are never many slots available let alone knowing where some of the places are. I have rang up several times to say I cannot have the flu vaccine as I have an injection which does not like something in the live carrier for the vaccine but I get told they do not organise the list but they are my doctors they should already be aware of this.
I have come to the x-ray department. I have received prompt appointment letter and a follow up phone call to check appointment time. There is little waiting time. The staff are friendly.
Only able to get an appointment by booking online and waiting for a phone call from a random doctor any time in the next 3 days. Which if you have a job where you are not allowed your phone whilst working is difficult. Phoning is a waste of time, as you have to phone at 8.30am for a morning appointment and 2pm for an afternoon appointment, no advance appointments are given and the receptionists are rude and unhelpful. No in person appointments are given until after you have had a phone appointment and only if they deem it necessary, which they never do, preferring to just dole out drugs after a 2 minute phone call with a doctor you've never spoken to before and hasn't bothered to read your notes. No appointment times are given, so you have to be available at any time for them to call, which is impossible, and if you miss their call you get a rude text message and have to start again.
I was transferred to the QE from Heartland\'s as I was in a coma. They were meant to change a stent but didn\'t do it. They changed my medication and I told them about it and said what was happening about feeling low and they changed it immediately. They were good.
St Edburgha\'s Church 1/12/12023
Very difficult for NHS patients to get any appointments. If you are a private patient you can get appointments straight away.
I waited ages for someone to see me but then left without any treatment. They are short of staff and urgently need new staff.
Went to A&E with a broken arm and was provided with excellent support and help straight away.
It is very difficult to park here. Sometimes the information they share with our GP is not complete. The doctors and nurses are good.
It is difficult. If you don't get through at 8:00am then you won't get a same day appointment. They will give you one for in a few days. You will see whatever doctor is available in the practice. The reception staff are matter of fact.
Royal Orthopaedic Hospital 09/11/2023
Service needing to be added - The Old Priory Surgery
Reception staff are very helpful and always listen to you and try to help you out.
In terms of the service. Its is good and the wait times were low. The park prices should be reviewed as the prices are outrageous.
I was an inpatient for 2 days and the ward and toilets were not clean and staff were impolite.
They answer the phone straight away and I can get appointments within 2 days.
Both of my girls were born over there and the support and help provided was great.
I went in to hospital for 5 days. I was treated well and just wanted to get better to get home for my sister.
Sometimes its a long wait but the staff and doctors are excellent. Scans and x-rays all done on time but waiting 1 hour so far to see the consultant.
I am regularly seen at the cardiology clinic after my bypass surgery. Full support provided. I can get appointments easily.
I am usually here every 3 to 4 weeks. I had to wait 1 hour for a scan. They were supposed to pass my details onto someone else and they didn't, so the sonographer had to do the scan on her break, it's not her fault. I have high blood pressure and I am feeling really stressed with the wait. I've been here a couple of hours and no one has communicated with me. The waiting room is full. Why would they book so many people in on the same day. It has a knock on effect. The first sonographer should have passed my notes on if she couldn't do it. Most of the staff are really nice. I understand things happen, but a little communication wouldn't hurt.
It's been pretty good. the parking is a bit confusing but it's my first time here. The reminders went well. The staff are friendly and accommodating. Waiting times are okay. It's easy to find the clinic.
Overcrowded and patients were screaming. I had to have treatment in the waiting room. I wasn't taken into a separate cubicle. It was embarrassing. A really horrible hospital.
I've been to City hospital a number of times for scans and MRI's. The doctors are good.
Been there as my periods are not regular. Felt like they were a good hospital.
Not bad. Parking could be better. Good communication about my appointment, I called the number on the letter and rearranged the appointment for me that I couldn't make. Came for heart check ups, they know what they're doing. Fairly routine. Minor surgery at Solihull in February and came for the follow up appointment today.
Hard to get an appointment because there are lots of patients but once you do get an appointment the doctors are nice. Hard to get through to them but you have to be persistent.
It is fine. Just a long wait. No one has updated us on how much longer it will be. Been waiting roughly 1.5 hours for appointment to see consultant/midwife, not sure who at the moment. Everyone we've seen has been lovely it's just the waiting. Appointment was sent within a good time.
Never had any trouble. Always been alright. Always seen on time in the heart/cardiology. Very good at communicating. Forgot we had the letter then it came up on my phone. This hospital stands out.
They book an interpreter for appointments. Staff will phone to book and appointment within the next 3 days, to give the practice time to get an interpreter.
I moved surgery because they merged and its now a big medical centre. Covid changed the service an awful lot. I have to call to get an appointment and it's usually over the phone, which I understand. They will see the kids in an emergency. They make you book online via an e-consult and then someone gets back to you. It all feels a little impersonal since they've gone bigger. They did do a consultation with the patients before merging but I think they had already made their decision.
When I go because I can't see my GP, they help me but I can't keep on going. It's hard because they want to help but then you'd rather go there than your own GP because it takes so much effort to get through to them.
Bit slow and they don't give me what I want. They don't give the right medication and have sent the wrong medication to the wrong pharmacy in Hockley, I don't even live there. Just seems disorganised.
They're brilliant, been with them since I was little. You have to ring between 8:30-10:30am or between 2:30-5pm. They will speak to you over the phone, but will call me in if they tell you need to come in. Think they could do better sometimes, feel like they're stuck in covid.
They're alright, all went well and the midwives were okay. It was a as good experience of an experience as childbirth can be. They did look after me though.
They're not great. I can't get an appointment and there are long waits on the phone, then when you get through, theres nothing left. It's hard especially with the kids, I'll just use NHS 111 if I'm ever stuck.
Don't ask for them very often. Had sciatica and I called them, they told me to come in straight away. Sometimes you have to wait on the phone but it is what it is. I've been with them for 30 years, never had any problems in the years.
It's alright, the hospital is good - it's brilliant. They send me letters for my appointments. Staff are lovely, gave me all the information I needed about Everything. Waiting times vary, it's a busy service. I was in triage a few weeks ago and that was a bit of a longer wait, but its not unexpectedly long because it's the processes you have to go through.
They don't accept appointments
My husband had a catheter fitted which had overspilled due to a blockage. When I got there I noticed the spillage was starting to dry. He had no water, diabetes and the nurses didn't come back until 2 hours later. It was embarrassing for him, it's not fair. He is at risk of dehydration. His legs were also swelling.
They referred my daughter to the walk in centre when I couldn't get an appointment with my own GP. I didn't have to wait long for them to refer us to the doctor, it was done very quickly. I'm very happy.
They're not good. They're doing the best they can. To get an appointment is difficult. They're very dismissive. I should be having regular testing for my kidneys but they don't keep on top of it. My son had problems with his knees and they say, it's growing pains. Referrals are taking a long time. I've been waiting for one since last year. Covid has destroyed everything. Receptionists are rude on the phone. You wait 45 minutes in the queue then theres no appointments. They don't want to see you face to face and there's only 1 doctor there. The doctor does work really hard but you can see the pressure they're under. They make it so difficult. They don't read notes and understand what's going on with me. But when my husband was ill, they helped him immensely.
It's impossible to get an appointment. I start calling at 8:30am, keep hitting redial - it's just potluck whether you get through. I can't sometimes get a same day appointment and I usually can't make an appointment in advance. I can wait 40 minutes on hold. The GP's are okay when you see them, but you can only talk about one thing which is a problem. I have a problem with my knee and I am putting up with it rather than trying to make an appointment.
It's not good. I had a scan booked in but they've not done it. I was told to come back at 2:30pm today when it was booked for 12:40pm. I've been sent to see the consultant but not been told anything else. Could improve their communication to let us know what is happening.
Very good, I can get an appointment quite quickly when I get through. Can usually get an appointment the next day or the day after.
Booked in on the touch screen for both x-ray and clinic on arrival. Went to the x-ray and left there within 45 minutes to wait for my 1:30pm appointment. I went upstairs to outpatients clinic at 1:15pm and told the receptionist that I had booked in on the screen downstairs, she didn't take my name, was disinterested sat with her head down, failing to pay attention to what was going on in outpatients. I saw a specialist nurse who answered all of my questions. I've been put on a patient initiated call back. The toilets are spotless. A Ringo app for car parking would work better, the instructions are not clear on how to select or pay.
I've used the pharmacy for years. They have an electronic system. I end up with bags full of because of epilepsy and other medical issues. They also offer delivery which is great, but I don't always needs it.
Have no reason to moan, I ring the doctor and they get me to come in, see me and send me on my way. They're alright.
I had my abscesses removed and drained here. They were alright and were helpful. They know me there.
My Mum was receiving end of life care by the paramedics and pain relief in Feb 2022, but the district nurses disputed that she needed the pain relief, until the Opal team insisted that she needed it. When they arrived they hadn't seen her for two days and said that they would not fit the driver before they had even seen her. The Opal team had to issue the instruction twice for a morphine driver to be administered. We did not feel listened to by them and this resulted in poor care and consequently led to Mum being in more pain than she needed to be for the next 2 days.
Had an appointment in the outpatients and saw the doctor in clinic 6. I was only there for 5 minutes. They told me they can't help me anymore which is what I expected. The only other option for me now would be major surgery which would be too dangerous. The hospital is good and I have no complaints at all.
Brill, the self check in service is hard, too much information requested and the mouse pointer does not always connect with the screen which can slow the check in process down.
Not too bad. I only used them since I've been pregnant and it's mainly to see the midwife there, Doesn't take long to get through when I call either.
The GP forgot to book an appointment with Womens clinic and made me miss IVF treatment
Met a racist doctor and the experience was horrible
Went to GP over 4 times for chronic headache and they couldn't profer a solution
Moved address so they changed my hospital. I ended up giving birth by c-section when I didn't want to, I wanted to give birth naturally. Don't feel like they tried to give me a natural birth, they monitored his heartbeat and told me I had to have a c-section, so I was disappointed.
This hospital is quite good, the parking is tricky. Staff are friendly. My son's had inpatient stays and we see quite a few different departments. When he last stayed, I was able to stay with him, they were kind and supportive.
I used to call them then the next day I get an appointment, so no long waits on the phone.
Haven't seen the doctor in about 3 years. They didn't have me down to have the covid vaccination. I had a knee operation and they said to go to the GP to have the staples taken out, but I couldn't get an appointment. It was 15 days after my operation when they got the staples out. They left one staple in. I have different doctors at the surgery now and I don't know whether it's covid.
I've been waiting to see a gastroenterologist since April 17th 2022. I asked the nurse when I would expect an appointment to be sent and she told me there's a back log. They sent me a letter about pain management for the gastro issues but they are still to send out an appointment. No communication in the meantime to tell me what is going on.
Referred from the GP to the hospital, there was a 5/6 months wait. I kept ringing at 8am in the morning and if all appointments were gone I'd ring the next day. The GP is good, it's just hard to get in with her. Everything is stressful.
Promised outpatient appointment in May 2022, still waiting 8 months later, was promised originally a 6 month wait from May 2023.
Waiting times. Can be on the phone forever and an end. They had online booking but they turned it off, so no point of access. You ring them and they tell you to go to the walk in centre if they have no appointments, or to go to A&E.
Went to the physiotherapist. I needed an operation on my collar bone. It took them 3 months to do the operation, my shoulder hasn't been the same since. It's okay because I have a high pain threshold.
It's not easy to get here and the parking isn't good. Everyone has been lovely and the appointments are sent in a timely manner. ROH - 01/12/22
They sent my son home saying he had a virus after being ill for so long. He ended up crashing and nearly dying. He was sent to the children's and diagnosed with cancer on the brain.
ROH - 01/12/22
They saved my sons life. He had cancer and they referred him for Proton treatment in Germany. The communication was great, everyone he came in contact with were great. The whole hospital is just amazing.
ROH - 01/12/22
It's always been fine. During covid, appointments were cancelled but that was expected. They communicate in advance about the appointment times.
They will see me when I am having issues with my asthma. They'll fast track me and see me quickly.
They offer the covid and flu vaccinations. They send you a text message inviting you to come for the vaccine, then when you call them to make the appointment, they say they can't do them at the surgery and to go to the pharmacy. Well what's the point in sending the message then?
ROH - 10/11/22
I went in with a white stick and they asked me to register myself in the building with the computer and I am registered blind. Covid has stopped me from having eye surgery, they say that it is not an emergency for me to have the operation done, but I can't see to cross the road, I feel it is an emergency.
Villa Cross Soup Kitchen - 08/11/22
Foot was swollen and saw my daughter within 20 minutes. They were really good. Was referred by doctors.
Tried to register at others closer to Sutton Coldfield where I live, but they told me they are only taking private patients. Had to register in one much further away, was the only place that would accept my children
They're amazing. It's great because they're also open till late.
I took myself to City Hospital A&E because I was bad, feeling sick, high blood pressure and I was dehydrated. They told me I was down in calcium, potassium and magnesium and they had to bring these levels up before they could do an endoscopy. They found out I had Barretts esophagus and a Hiatus Hernia. You don't get much information, it was only when I got home and saw what was wrong on my notes.
separately, both my husband and I have been told by our GP that we need physio, but NHS waiting times are very long, and to go find a private physio
Very good, very nice. Sometimes I take them a packet of biscuits. They're good, sometimes have to wait for your prescription.
Quality service, the whole place is wicked.
St Cyprians places of welcome - 19/08/22
Its been okay so far. It took 2 weeks for an appointment from my doctors, they send me emails and everything.~
Very bad, first of all the doctors are all family members, the staff are very rude. When I complained to them, I did not get a response back.
They're really good and really helpful. I use the minor ailments scheme here.
I like it here, It's alright.
I like my activities. I do childcare and skills for working with children. I like meeting my friends.
I really like coming to the day centre, I like the staff.
I was calling the nurses to give me tea and they ignored me. They upset me. Then my sister came and gave me a drink, the staff did not pay attention to me. I believe they have a lot on their plate.
I was treated well, I got my glasses. I was happy with the service.
It's a case of using them because I can't access a GP appointment. They're good when I go there but I shouldn't have to use the hospital to see a doctor.
They phoned me a few times when I was in hospital. I've not seen my doctor that many times but thought it was considerate of them, I can't fault them. They also got in contact with me several times about my booster and provided me with information about taking the covid jab and flu jab at the same time.
Unable to contact surgery via phones - constantly engaged and when do get through no appointments
Unable to ever get through on a Monday.
Some drs are good others are completely useless
The doctor has come to visit me as I am pregnant, they have confirmed my pregnancy and took a history but I have been told they do not deal with long term cases. I have tried to register with another practice but they have said they cannot register me due to my post code and living in temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.
They're okay. I manage to get appointments but I have to turn up in the mornings to the surgery to get one.
Glebe Farm - Welcome Hub - 31/05/22
My GP had referred me for an audiology test because of my failing ability to hear sensibly. I attended yesterday at 11.45 and was ushered into a waiting seat. No-one took my name, nor any details of WHY I was there. I waited for in excess of 20 minutes beyond my appointed time and was then collected by a young woman who told me that she was a trainee and that it might take longer than expected to complete the process. She was very pleasant and explained everything well.
At the conclusion of the tests she began to prepare the various components which would be needed to assemble the hearing aids I needed. This had probably taken 15 minutes to this point.
An older woman opened the door, stepped inside and immediately began to talk 'at' the young woman who'd been dealing with me. She did NOT explain herself or apologise for the interruption. Their interchange took, probably, three or four minutes, whereupon the older woman said to the younger: "You have two minutes!"
I had NO IDEA what was going on, and they continued talking to each other.
Then the older woman said to the younger: "You have ONE minute!"
I was then unceremoniously and hurriedly ushered out of the consulting room and into the main body of the shop, where a younger man was waiting directly in the doorway,
The older woman took me to a desk and said something to the effect: "We need to book you a further appointment!" I was so taken aback that I wasn't able to collect my thoughts and ask why, or complain at the way I had been treated! Usually I would have done so in no uncertain terms!
I was given an appointment a week ahead.
I now ask myself: WHY was I treated that way, when the tests were completed and the ophthalmologist (?) was about to assemble my hearing apparatus? Why was the younger man given precedence? Why, when I had waited at least 15 minutes beyond my appointed start time was I not permitted to have my consultation completed? Why, when had only taken some 15 minutes to reach that stage when my consultation was peremptorily curtailed. I have written to the Specsavers "Contact Us" section of their website, which says they will try to get back to me within 24 hours. We shall wait and see whether they live up to their claims!
In the meanwhile, let me say that I AM ONE VERY UNHAPPY CUSTOMER.
P.S. In a previous life I was a Chief Officer at three of the old Community Health Councils and the officer in Charge of the CHCs under the NHS.
David G Rogers
My son has attended Warstock for 12 years. We are no further forward as we were on our first ever appointment. They don’t have a concrete diagnosis apart from Psychosis. In the first few years we never saw the same Doctor twice, which meant they didn’t know my son at all. How could they make a diagnosis only seeing him once? From that first appointment and every appointment since, I have mentioned that I was convinced my son was Autistic but nobody has taken my concerns seriously. I have asked constantly for some psychologist intervention, only to be repeatedly told that the waiting list is very long, over 2 years. The Autism assessment I was told was again over a 2 year wait. I was under the impression that my son had been referred, only to find out months and months later that he had not been referred. They never follow through what they say they will do. My sons life is drifting by and still were in the same position. In times of crisis we have been seriously let down by everybody. Everybody passes the problem on to either the police or ambulance and they pass it back to the point where we coped alone, in tears that there was no one to turn to. Our son was sectioned for 2 weeks . The second day our son was in hospital the Consultant and Pychologist rang us to inform us that our son displayed as being very Autistic, at last! Our son is presently in hospital again and has been for 7 weeks. Finally, the amazing Highcroft Hospital have diagnosed Aspergers and Social Phobia. Highcroft Doctors and Nurses have been incredible. I cried with relief that finally after years and years he has been diagnosed. Highcroft informed us that they have seen no sign of Pychosis at all in our son! I have no faith in Warstock and I know I’m only one of many that feel this way. Highcroft ,the Nurses are incredibly dedicated to both patients and families. I do feel totally failed by Warstock mental health . They need to listen to family, who know the patient best. Highcroft are now carrying out the Autism Assessment and Pychologist intervention as my sons anxiety is so severe and his occasional rages, through not being able to express himself. Warstock were aware of the anxiety. How many more patients are being failed?