Needham Market Country Practice

No appts ever available. Reception staff never seem to understand what I request, which I feel is simple to find out
E consult is average.

took over a week to respond to an econsult request

When I called at 8.30 a couple of weeks ago I was 17th in the queue and it was answered within 10 minutes. Today I rang at 2pm (ish) and I was 2nd in the queue for 6 mins and 1st in the queue for a further 3 mins. I just find that frustrating. My call was non urgent (asking about Flu clinic dates) so I left it until later in the day. It would be good if you could book your flu slot online as I use E-consult here all the time, but the form is so long I did not use it to ask for a flu jab. I also use the 'patient access' link on the surgeries website and have book a GP appointment though that, but again, you cannot book a flu jab on it.

I used E-Consult due to developing problems with pressure and pain in my ear.

Completed the required fields, which took only a few moments and was informed that I would hear from the practice the next working day before the surgery closes. I received a call in the morning (at about 9.30am) inviting me to book an appointment with the Nurse Practitioner in the afternoon, which I did. I found the whole process to be simple and efficient (much better than hanging on the phone lines in the morning).

I turned up for my appointment and had to wait for maybe 20 minutes or so. Appointments do sometimes run late in this practice but I do not see that as a negative thing at all - I have never felt rushed out of an appointment and I have always been treated with professionalism and care. That, for me, is worth a short (or sometimes slightly lengthy) wait in the waiting area.

The Nurse Practitioner was exactly the right person to see. A fairly severe ear infection (possibly with a ruptured ear drum) was diagnosed and a course of treatment prescribed. A follow-up appointment has also been made. I found her to be friendly in approach and the information about the treatment was good.

At this point, I have complete faith in this surgery and hope that will continue into the future for myself and also my family. Thank you.

In a week I've used E-consult twice. First occasion was to talk with GP about my son. I had to chase this as 4days after submitting it I hadn't heard anything from the surgery. The system states you will get email/telephone call in 24hours. They did apologize and a GP telephone consultation was set up, which I got that day, and as always my GP was excellent.
The 2nd I submitted a query for myself early morning (8.30am ISH) and by 1pm the same day I had a call from the team telling me my GP wants me to get blood tests. When they couldn't offer an appointment for over 2 weeks they suggested trying the clinic on Landseer road but didn't give me any info on how to book that. So would just say that would be more helpful if possible.
I cannot recommend using E-consult enough. When you work it is such a good tool.

have a lovely doctor. Often no appointments available on the day, but can prebook. Up to 45 minute wait is acceptable time to wait. GP often makes calls between appointments - very conscientious.

Receptionists are outstanding in person and on the phone. GP is wonderful. Often have to wait a long time, bit the outcome is good. Quite prepared to wait. Phone experience is good now we know how far in the queue we are. Always accommodated.

Econsult used successfully. Accept that staff often face restrictions out of their control. 15-20 minute wait for an appointment is acceptable, but there is always a knock-on effect,

Would appreciate knowing how many patients proceeded own appointment. Own doctor only works 2 days a week, and is known for delays to appointment time. I have used econsult successfully.

Have found consult very good. Disappointed to be waiting over an hour for an appointment for my child. But I was able to combine two appointments last time, which is good.