Bideford Medical Centre
Abbotsham Road, Bideford, Devon, EX39 3AFContact details and opening times
Patient ratings and reviews
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Reviews
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Review titled Poor systems difficult for some to navigate
Rated 2 stars out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 07 June 2024
Surgery and pharmacy system not working. Patients ping ponged between the two who disagree with each other but don't pick up phone to each other, just treat patients as human ping pongs. Seems to be no mechanism to measure the efficiency of this system. To complain,ironically, as everything else has to be done online, one has to write a letter and post it. You couldn't make it up.
Visited April 2024
Review titled Bideford Medical Centre
Replied on 17 June 2024
We are sorry to read that you are experiencing problems. If you would like to discuss this issue further, please contact the medical centre and ask for me directly. Alternatively if you would like to provide me with a first hand account of the problem, so I can investigate and reply to you, please email this to bideford.systmone@nhs.net and mark it for my attention. Kind regards. Zoe Smale
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Review titled Impossible to get an appointment
Rated 1 star out of 5
by Bryan - Posted on 16 April 2024
The one the day booking system requires you to be available on the day at 8.00am, it is shut by 9 am many people have to work so cannot log in at this time. my work schedule means i need to plan an appointment, I cannot just drop work to attend on a day at a none specified time. you cannot complain or contact the surgery in any way except write a letter. The process seems to be designed to prevent access to healthcare. I have tried for two weeks, my health is deteriorating why I try to make an appointment. It would be much easier if I could make a fixed time. My doctor is only available two days a week as it is
Visited April 2024
Review titled Bideford Medical Centre
Replied on 23 April 2024
Dear Bryan, I am very sorry to read that you are frustrated with the system, I would like to help you and also investigate the circumstances surrounding these issues. Please contact me via email at bideford.systmone@nhs.net with further details so I can do this for you. Kind regards Zoe Smale Operations Manager
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Review titled Virtually impossible to see a doctor
Rated 1 star out of 5
by Paul Winter - Posted on 27 September 2023
Too many barriers to efficient and effective communication with my doctor about my health issues. Nothing more.
Visited September 2023
Review titled Bideford Medical Centre
Replied on 29 September 2023
Dear Mr Winter I am very sorry to read that you are experiencing problems communicating with your GP, I would like to help you and also investigate the circumstances surrounding these issues. Please contact me via email at bideford.systmone@nhs.net with further details so I can do this for you. Kind regards Zoe Smale Operations Manager
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Review titled Ignoring request for a repeat prescription
Rated 2 stars out of 5
by Cliff Timo Linden - Posted on 22 July 2023
I brought to the surgery my printed request for a repeat prescription - as is my usual practice. In this case, because I am going to be out of the County on my usual pickup date, I requested an earlier pickup date. This request letter was delivered to your surgery eleven dates before the requested amended pickup date. Upon visit the dispensary today they informed me that no instructions from yourself had been received by them to issue to me my medications. I am writing this on Saturday morning (the 22nd July). Your surgery is closed for the weekend, the telephones are unmanned and you have not published your website details. My plan was to leave Bideford early on Monday morning. The dispensary suggested I telephone you first thing on Monday morning. This is not really a viable option, as the surgery has made personal interaction over the telephone particularly difficult, with the copious use of recorded general messages, generic threats and provocations regarding a draconian 'zero tolerance' policy, and inadequate staffing. Therefore I will of necessity come into the surgery at 8.30am on Monday 24th July and attempt to have a conversation with a human receptionist regarding my position. I took great pains in my letter to you of the 10th July to spell out exactly what my situation was, what medications I required, my Name, address, NHS number, pickup date, and with the significant data in emboldened type. But if such very clear requests are not read, responded to or acted upon, what can one do?
Visited July 2023
Review titled Bideford Medical Centre
Replied on 27 July 2023
Dear Mr Linden I'm very sorry to read about your negative experience with the surgery. I have responded to the concerns raised in your review via letter, you should receive this in the next few days. Kind regards. Zoe Smale Complaints Manager
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Review titled Brilliant system for appointments
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Annabel Cope - Posted on 18 July 2023
Sent e consult Friday afternoon, phone call 8.30am Monday and appointment 2 hours later. You cannot beat that for efficiency.
Visited July 2023
Review titled Bideford Medical Centre
Replied on 27 July 2023
Dear Annabel Thank you for your positive feedback, we are glad you are finding the system to be efficient and it is working well for you!
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Review titled On line service great
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 28 April 2023
Second time I’ve used NHS app to message practice. Both times I have received responses on same day & received help needed. Wonderful!
Visited April 2023
Review titled Bideford Medical Centre
Replied on 15 May 2023
Dear Patient We are very pleased the system is working well for you and thank you for your positive feedback!
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Review titled Terrible service
Rated 1 star out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 26 April 2023
I contacted the practice for a Appointment with my GP, in fact I'm still waiting, the process doesn't help the patient one bit and only benefits the Medical centre. Long gone are the days where a appointment was easy to make, not everyone has access to the internet and very rarely an appointment would be made face to face with a GP.
Visited April 2023
Review titled Bideford Medical Centre
Replied on 15 May 2023
We are sorry that you feel this way. Our new system does not exclude patients that do not have access to the internet, patients can still phone the medical centre as they would have done previously. If you have contacted the practice about a medical issue, you should have received a response within 24 hours of submission.