Unity Healthcare - Clements

Econsult is repetitive asking the same questions and it is very difficult to link issues. It's a much more drawn out process to get appointments now and I recently waited 6 days over Easter when I wasn't contacted early enough in the day for the issue to be addressed ahead of the bank holiday so I ended up having to go to 111 for something that could easily have been sorted by my own surgery. I've seen a Physicians Associate for appointments and they were good.

When using econsult it is very difficult to get a face to face appointments, things are dealt with by phone. Long term conditions are well monitored but for general issues it is difficult to get to see a GP or anyone face to face, its all done online and it's difficult to put all the information down on the form. Appointments for blood tests have also been fine to get.

Never had any issues getting an appointment and econsult works fine too, I like it because I find it quick and easy to use but it does mean I do them for other members of the family who do find it more difficult. Dad hates coming to the doctors or using econsult so I do it for him. I've found that we've had good responses and I like that they send a message of receipt and then get in contact.

I pop in to arrange appointments and that seems to work okay. You do have to wait a little for the appointments but I mainly see the nurses so its not too long. I've been able to get blood tests and staff have all been good but it does feel more remote and since the closure of Steeple I've rarely been able to see a GP, they seem to have a different approach here.

Booked an appointment but when I received the text yesterday confirming the time it said a different time to the one I was given on the phone but that meant that the community transport I'd arranged to get me to my appointment was then not available at such short notice. Most of the time I see nurses for most things and then a yearly MOT and I phone to arrange appointments which normally works well. There seems to be a turnover of staff as you never see the same person.

Have had challenging times over the years but it is now easier to get an appointment. When using econsult I've mostly had on the day appointments but sometimes the next day, even when I've asked to be seen. At times I've not felt like I've been taken seriously and it took 8 visits to get something addressed, part of the issue was seeing different people each time. I've also had problems getting a cervical screening appointment which ended up being 8 months over due after two appointments were cancelled. It would be good to have something more proactive around perimenopause/ menopause approach as I've felt GPs have been dismissive and I almost didn't keep trying to get help due to the initial response. When raising a mental health issue via econsult I wasn't even invited in for an appointment I was just sent links which isn't encouraging for a someone who has taken the hard step to seek help. I also feel that the system in place is almost a barrier with so many steps that it puts men, in my family off from seeking help. The Physicians Associate was very good when I saw them but support is limited support available for mental health issues.

I find that appointments are accessible and like using econsult as its convenient and pretty good as it gets appointments within a good timeframe. They are meeting my long term condition needs and I've found them very supportive around my mental health.

All GP appointments are over the phone and there are times when it's not appropriate or it's not what's needed. It's a shame that this is the way it works now. Monitoring for my COPD is all very remote and there's no support as such. I have seen a nurse who seemed very good.

I moved into the area 3 years ago and despite being a new patient and suffering from COPD, Asthma and a Heart Murmur I have yet to see a doctor. My supposedly annual Asthma check ups have been a farce with no actual examination although I have said I felt worse since COVID. I requested a test but this has not happened. I had an accident whilst I was away on holiday and severely hurt my arm , although I had some treatment abroad I wanted to see a doctor upon my return but I just got referred to 111.

I've found econsult brilliant with quick replies. I've had a mix of face to face and telephone consultations and each has worked well for the issues. Booking ahead it would be better if you were able to see a doctor in less than 2 weeks for non urgent issues. I've also used the NHS app and that works well too. Staff are really good and I have confidence in them. The nurses are great as they put me at ease when I'm having blood tests.