University Medical Group
University Health Centre, 9-11 Northcourt Avenue, Reading, RG2 7HEContact details and opening times
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Reviews
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Review titled Impossible to get a GP appointment
Rated 1 star out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 13 September 2024
I would not recommend this practice for the following reason: You cannot book a GP appointment in advance, as a matter of fact you can't book at all. The last two years was a horrendous experience with trying to get to see anyone at the practice. One need to call the practice at 8 a.m. on the day if would like to book a GP appointment. When you call the practice, you won't get a fee line, it always signals as busy. You can expect spending an hour on speed redial, still not getting an open line for the practice. Another time you might simply get an answering machine stating at 8:00 that they have no more GP appointments for that day and you have to call them next morning at 8:00. They admitted on the phone that their lines are busy every morning at 8:00 a.m. So do not expect to get an appointment. Because, as the practice stated in an answer for a previous review, and also on the phone, they will offer the appointment for those who needs the most. Having said that, how would they know who needs it most if they cannot answer the volume of phones they receive at 8:00 a.m. This way everyone ends up on A&E constantly with minor issues as there is no way you can see a GP. Just trying to call the practice is causing heightened anxieties. If a practice is only giving urgent on the day appointments how will I ever get to see a GP? I several times spent an hour on the phone line just to have my call finished by the practice without answering it. I do agree with another review which stated that some GPs are extremely patronising without actually listening to the patient.
Visited September 2024
University Medical Group has not yet replied.
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Review titled Poor announcement of rsv clinic
Rated 3 stars out of 5
by Connally - Posted on 02 September 2024
Arrived today (2/9/24) for my rsv jab, to be told I should have made an appointment, and no further appointments were available. The message sent on 19 August said nothing about needing to book. It simply said “Our clinic will be on 2.9.24. Please arrive with your coat off. “ This implied it would be an open walk-in clinic with no need to book. Consequently I’ve been refused my rsv jab.
Visited September 2024
University Medical Group has not yet replied.
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Review titled Lack of access to a doctor
Rated 1 star out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 12 June 2024
You cannot schedule an appointment to see a GP in advance. The practice policy is that you have to call same day at 8am in order to request a GP for a same day appointment that is not guaranteed. This practice employs a number of non-doctors who regularly see patients. Ironically if want to see a non-doctor an appointment can be made. I was unable to schedule an appointment with a GP even though I called 2 weeks in advance. If you want to be seen by a doctor I would avoid this GP practice.
Visited June 2024
Review titled University Medical Group
Replied on 12 June 2024
Dear Patient I am sorry that you have been unhappy with the practice policy of booking GP and Physician Associate appointments on the day and not in advance. Thank you for also emailing the practice to let us know and I am sorry that we have still been unable to resolve this to your satisfaction. GP appointments are reserved for patients who need them the most and I would like to reassure patients that if they need to be seen, an appointment will provided with an appropriate clinician. The practice is pleased to offer the following appointments which all can be booked in advance. These are for the following clinical needs: Chronic Long term conditions: diabetes, asthma, COPD, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and pre-diabetes Women’s health: contraception, HRT, post -natal checks, coil and implant fittings and removal, swabs and cervical smear appointments Health Promotion: over 40s NHS health check; learning difficulty and severe mental health physical checks. Musculoskeletal conditions: physiotherapist who is trained to diagnose and advise, steroid injection clinic (needs a GP referral) Mental Health conditions: appointments with the mental health practitioner and pharmacist review for those on repeat mental health medication, ADHD (on medication) physical checks; lithium blood tests Children: baby immunisations, 6 week baby checks Injections: vaccinations Medication review: pre-bookable with practice pharmacist Blood tests – bookable in advance (for those on the practice recall system or requested by GP or Physician Associate) Dressings Social Prescriber appointment (needs a GP or Physician Associate referral) Once again, I am very sorry that you are dissatisfied with our appointment booking policy and that we have not been able to resolve your concerns on this occasion. Fiona Mullin Office Manager
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Review titled Worst doctor's experience I have ever had
Rated 1 star out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 25 May 2023
The worst doctor's experience I have ever had. - Unfriendly and unapproachable from the beginning - Did not listen to what I told her regarding previous doctor’s opinions about my condition - Undermined and patronised me when I outlined the preventative methods I have taken for my ailment, which were all specialist recommended - Prescribed me medication containing ingredients that I specifically said I couldn’t have (and that had previously made my condition worse) - Appointment was rushed and I felt as though I was inconveniencing her for being there with the consultation only lasting 5 minutes and coming to no obvious solution or conclusion Doctor’s have an obligation to ensure patients feel comfortable and heard and this doctor failed to do both. Whilst I understand people have off days (which I can only assume this must have been), it is no excuse to disregard a patient who has come to you for help. Deplorable behaviour.
Visited May 2023
Review titled University Medical Group
Replied on 30 May 2023
Dear Patient We are very sorry that you have been so dissatisfied with your recent experience. We wish all our patients to have a positive experience and I am sorry to hear that this did not happen on this occasion. We appreciate all feedback and we would be grateful for the opportunity to look into what went wrong. As your review is anonymous, I am unable to do this without further information. Please can you send your details marked for my attention to bobicb-bw.umg@nhs.net or call us on 0118 9874551 and ask to speak to me. Fiona Mullin Office Manager
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Review titled Rude receptionist
Rated 2 stars out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 08 March 2023
I called on the advice of another doctor (who id spoken to via a video consultation) to book an appointment during the 8am scramble. The receptionist was frustrated because I had a bad connection (nothing I could do about that, certainly couldn’t call back and wait another 20 mins to get through) and generally spoke to me without kindness or empathy. She made me feel a nuisance and questioned the legitimacy of my need for an appointment, even though I told her I had tonsillitis and she referred to it as ‘pain in your throat’ She made me feel so guilty for calling up that when the call ended I burst into tears. Nobody likes having to make an appointment, we’re constantly told the NHS is under strain. I was simply following the advice of another doctor.
Visited March 2023
Review titled University Medical Group
Replied on 09 March 2023
Dear patient Thank you for letting us know about the difficulty you had on the phone when making an appointment with a bad connection and I am sorry to hear how upsetting it was for you. The reception team are required to ask patients about their symptoms so they can book them into the right clinic and I am very sorry if it felt that they had no kindness or empathy while doing so. This would not have been the intention but it is clear from your comments that something went wrong in the communication you had. It is our wish that all patients have a positive experience but we know that sometimes things go wrong. As your review is anonymous, I am not able to investigate what happened and where any training issues are so I would be grateful if you could contact the surgery, either by phone on 0118 9874551 and ask for me or by email to bobicb-bw.umg@nhs.net for my attention. We appreciate all patient feedback and I hope this reassures you that we are committed to providing the best service we can. I look forward to hearing from you so we can look into this further. Fiona Mullin Office Manager
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Review titled Caring practice, doing their absolute best
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 11 November 2022
I love my practice; I have a complicated set of health needs and need monthly blood tests and more appointments than your average bear! I've found if I set my alarm and get on the phone at 7.59/8.00am I can usually get seen the same day, or a telephone appointment. This is completely reasonable, given the huge demand for appointments. The online services - ordering repeat prescriptions, booking monthly blood tests - work like a charm, and the staff are always kind, warm and friendly. The way the vaccine clinics (for flu jabs, for example) are run is amazing - everyone shows up and works so hard. Cannot recommend this practice highly enough and have so much love for everyone who works there. Thank You!
Visited October 2022
University Medical Group has not yet replied.