Forest Group Practice

The usual problems – can’t get an appointment. The real problem is the length of time you wait on the phone. You can wait in the queue for about 30 minutes before getting to speak to someone. The length wait is dependent on when you call – the 8am rush can be really bad. Once you’re there they’re all okay. The doctors and the phlebotomist are great.
It’s just the options when you call. You get impatient after waiting so long and drive the 10 minutes to the surgery because you give up trying to call. When you get to the surgery they are sitting there waiting and you can get an appointment when you turn up but you’ve had to drive 20 minutes to do so. The website is useful for information, they have so much information on it, but making an appointment online just isn’t easy. They also lack continuity of care because you don’t see the same doctor when you go.

Waited for 45 mins on phone after being told by the booking service 119 that they couldn’t find me a place with disabled access with toilet to have my booster. When I did eventually get through they hung up on me. I had spent over an hour I now give up stuff the booster.

45 mins and still no answer on phone, still no face to face appointments even though physio and hospital are seeing people. When I did get through, still using the excuse that they are short staffed because of COVID. 18 months now they have said this. Can't get to see or speak to a regular Dr, no continuity in care. They were good when Swan first took them over. Now it seems Forest are just a thorn in their side.

Receptions totally unhelpful/ rude and don't contact/phone you back. Can't get bloods taken here, you have to go to bury or somewhere else also no antenatal care. Only good thing is the doctors are nice and helpful

Needed information following bad reaction to first Covid vaccine. Good explanation provided re 2nd vaccination and help offered to help with any reaction to that.

I had to speak with the prescriptions office to make some changes. (Name removed) was very supportive and gave me good information. She ensured I understood and confirmed my preferences. I find telephone conversations difficult and she made it much easier by letting me take my time and reassuring me. Her approach to me made what is an anxious task for me to do much less daunting. Thank you

I like my doctor very much but I do find the dispensary staff to be rude in her attitude. I prefer to use the staff at the desk to check in rather than using the screen.

Text reminders are good for me, wish the dentist did them too. I saw there was a chat tab on the website and I started to use it the other day but I had to leave it as my daughter needed me, does the chat link connect directly with someone in this surgery? Staff are helpful in the surgery.

I like the booking in at the surgery is is easy with the check in screen. The staff seem to be friendly and nice. There can be a long wait on the phone to get through so I tend to come in and book my appointments face to face as I only live local. I would like to see more GP consistency if you want to see the same GP you have to wait a long time.

Waiting times to be seen varies really, I do feel a bit rushed at times in the doctors room, I feel the GP attitude could be a bit more approachable to me to allow me to feel more comfortable. (the option of using Econsult as another way to contact the doctor was explained to me today)