Darwin Medical Centre
Greenwood Health Centre, Lichfield Road, Burntwood, WS7 0AQContact details and opening times
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Reviews
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Review titled Ridiculous on the day appointment system
Rated 1 star out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 23 January 2023
The on the day urgent appointment system is ridiculous. I was offered an appointment time and explained I have to do the school run to be told by the receptionist that “the doctors expect you to be up, dressed and ready to attend the first available appointment” - how can you be ready when you don’t know when your appointment will be! What about those patients that have to walk or rely on public transport? How are they supposed to accept the first available appointment if you are only giving 30/40mins notice? The surgery doesn’t offer appointments on the day to fit in with working hours or school runs you have to take the first available or that is it! I’ve been told in the past if I’m well enough to go to work then it isn’t classed as urgent for that day! People can still attend work even if they are unwell! For example if I had a UTI and needed medication I see that as an urgent need because I have an infection but it doesn’t make me unwell enough to warrant a day off sick! I am aware of the community pharmacy consultation service for minor ailments but they can only prescribe basic medication for something like a UTI and as I’m allergic to the basic medication I have no choice to go through the surgery. Because of their ridiculous policy of first appointment or nothing I have had to on occasions request telephone appointments instead. I have been told they don’t offer telephone appointments for things like suspected infections anymore due to guidelines but when I pointed out that I am aware of other surgeries which still offer telephone consultations if patients aren’t able to attend because of work etc suddenly I can have a telephone appointment! Reception staff are rude, the telephone system is great at 8am but any other time of the day if you are ringing with a query you normally have to wait 20-30 mins to get through. Certain doctors are awful, they don’t listen to what you go in for, their consultation records are appalling - they document incorrect information e.g left side instead of right side despite having done an examination. Certainly wouldn’t recommend to anyone and I will be looking at moving myself and my family elsewhere.
Visited January 2023
Review titled Darwin Medical Centre
Replied on 13 June 2023
Dear patient, firstly apologies for the delay in responding to your review, I've unfortunately been away from the office for an extended period of time. Thank you for taking the time to review the service you received and I would welcome the opportunity if you feel it's appropriate to discuss this with you? We are aware that sometimes although patients need to see a clinician on the day that other commitments ie child care, carers responsibilities don't allow patients to attend clinic in a short space of time, something our management team are considering how we flex our service to accommodate these type of situations, whilst balancing our urgent on the day appointment availability for patients who can attend and require immediate medical treatment. I can be contacted on 01543 682654 if you wish to discuss this further. Karen Cooper-Sollom Patient Liaison Officer
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Review titled They don't care about you
Rated 1 star out of 5
by philip hawkley - Posted on 10 December 2022
I phoned for an appointment as i'm unwell. Was told i would have to wait over 4 weeks was asked personal questions by receptionist and phone was put down on me abruptly. I can't see how this kind of behaviour is tolerated by the NHS
Visited December 2022
Review titled Darwin Medical Centre
Replied on 13 December 2022
Hi Philip I am sorry to hear that the service you received from the team did not meet your expectation and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this in more detail so I can thoroughly understand your experience. I can be contacted via the main practice number or via email patientliaison.darwinmedicalpractice@nhs.net. Karen Cooper-Sollom
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Review titled Good service
Rated 4 stars out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 03 August 2022
I understand booking a routine appointment can be a challenge at times, but i recently came out of hospital after being very poorly. I started to have a reoccurrence of my symptoms and contacted the practice for a telephone appointment at 8am and was fourth in the queue. The call didn't happen until late afternoon, but on describing my symptoms an appointment with a doctor was made within two hours of the call. Tests were arranged very quickly and a follow up appointment was arranged within two days of the doctors appointment. I have at times had to wait in the 'queue' to have my call answered but I can honestly say the service I have received from all involved has been good. I have been with this practice for many years and I have noticed changes in the length of time for appointments but these are changing times where the demand for medical services has increased. I experienced that waiting for 999 services. Overall I haven't really had any bad experiences so from a personal note can only say the practice and its doctors under the increasing demands they have, have dealt very well with me, and I am thankful for the good service I have received.
Visited August 2022
Review titled Darwin Medical Centre
Replied on 04 August 2022
Thank you for taking the time to write your review of the service you have experienced from the team here at Darwin. We apologise for the phone queues being experienced by our patients and to let you know we are aware of the impact this has and are working on a solution but unfortunately we currently have 3 vacancies in our reception team that we are currently recruiting for. We have recently held 3 rounds of recruitment but have not been able to recruit suitable candidates to fulfil these vacancies. We are committed to improving response times and are continuing to work on it. We also have to follow NHS guidance for Covid, our staff are required to test regularly and any staff testing Covid positive have to isolate for 10 days (protecting both patients attending the practice and ensure the rest of the team remain well enough to continue providing the service) but this obviously has an impact on our staff levels. I'd like to acknowledge your appreciation and understanding regarding the increased pressures on the NHS services, including primary care. We are monitoring our appointment provision regularly and adapt our systems as demand changes to use our available resources as effectively as possible. Thank you again for your positive feedback and to let you know I will be sharing it with the wider team here at the practice. Karen Cooper-Sollom Patient Liaison Officer.