Needham Market Country Practice
Feedback Rating
Based on 340 reviews
Reviews (340)
Busy phones
November 3, 2023
The phones are very busy and it can be up to an hours wait in the mornings. When I got through I was asked to go on to econsult but I don't have an internet enabled phone so if I'm out I can't see and respond to them contacting me so I have to call to arrange appointments. Call backs with doctors have worked to address the issues I've had and I have had actual appointments too. I just find that it is a much more drawn out process and is especially more difficult if you work but are trying to get a non urgent issue sorted out. Econsult is turned off first thing any way so its not really an option.
Econsult turned off first thing
November 3, 2023
The on the day system isn't as convenient as when you're working you can't always stay at home on the off chance they'll give you an actual appointment or even answer the call backs at work. Not all issues need an on the day response and the ability to be able to arrange appointments in advance is easier. Today I had a 45 min wait on the phone to speak to reception. Econsult is also turned off early in the morning so can't even use that. It would be good if staff could let patients know there are other appointment options available to them such as GP+ as most don't know about it. When I've actually seen a member of the team they are great, its just the system to access appointments that isn't great.
Appointments available
November 3, 2023
We've been able to get appointments when needed by calling and talking to a GP first which works well. You don't get to see the same GP anymore but to be fair this hasn't affected the care we've received. The only thing that could improve is the space in the waiting room for a wheelchair as you can't see the screen showing the next patient from the only place we could go so you don't know when you're being called. Also the number of disabled parking bays are limited but parking is a problem more generally here anyway.
Very busy phones
November 3, 2023
The phones when trying to get through in the morning are very busy and there is quite a wait to be able to speak to someone but today I did end up speaking to a GP and have been given an appointment.
Have struggled
November 3, 2023
I've struggled to get appointments and have been told that there is no online access at all at the surgery by staff. Although there is, it just turns off very quickly. Getting through on the phone takes a long time however today I did get through and was given a call back with a GP. Following this I've also been invited in for an appointment but previously its been more problematic.
Quick access today
October 13, 2023
Logged onto the website to check eConsult availability first thing. I was able to access eConsult, completed the various fields (which did not take too long) and received a swift call back from reception with an invite to an appointment with a GP at 9.30am. I attended and logged in using the touch screen, which is always a very easy process. My appointment was on time I think (or very close to). The clinician was friendly with a kind and informative approach. They allowed sufficient time to explain my concerns, completed the necessary physical checks and promised to make a referral. Can't fault the experience and I hope the practice remains accessible in this way for long into the future. With so many pressures on services, it is nice to have received such a positive response today.
Wait ages when no 1
October 2, 2023
Called the practice today for admin help, as at 9am E-Consult was switched off. It would be good if they could not switch off the admin side of things, as you do not need an appointment for that side of things. I therefore had to ring the practice. At 9am I was 29 in the queue, so decided to reply later. at 1pm I was number 1 in the queue. The music changed and I then still waited almost 10 minutes before the phone was answered. I raised this, as thought the phone may have an issue with it. The receptionist said, that it is lunch time, so less people on the phones. However, I was number 1 so that feels that no one is willing to answer the phone at 'lunch time.' Very bizarre. If things are not urgent, they ask you to call in quieter times, and when you do, this is the response. It is not professional.
Phone call and then face to face appointment
September 12, 2023
Telephone call to ascertain what was needed
Face to face to administer immunisation
Face to face to administer immunisation
Pretty good
September 6, 2023
I have to say that they have referred my son very quickly to the hospital, so I was pleased with them for that. I like that fact that they phone me up when it is time for my B12 and the other vaccines that I have in the year.
Test result was pending for ages
September 6, 2023
My test results were pending for ages, I had to wait for literally weeks, they did eventually get back to me, but the personal anxiety it caused me waiting was terrible. The doctor didnt ring me back even though I was told that he would do, it would be better not to say that if they have no intention of ringing the patient.
