Sudbury & Alperton Surgery

Carla the receptionist is always very helpful, pleasant and prompt.

Long recording msg then waiting queue and finally when you think your next they cut you off....

This has been my Surgery for seven years now. I have had a mixed experience. Sometimes it has been exceptional and other times, and unfortunately so, obtuse, difficult and unorganised. The establishment is a semi detached house converted into a surgery practice. The exterior is clean and mostly well kept. The interior holds the main reception with seating and also seating on the first floor. A very basic set up but works for the majority but would pose difficulties for mobility impaired patients or at least would pose some struggle entering the two doors and the bottom raised wood frames. Then another door to the reception. Some improvement here would greatly benefit the minority’s needs for easier accessing Making an appointment. This has become more robust and appointments seem to be easier. If you call from 0830 you will be placed in line and the advisory message which updates you when you’re next, is helpful and more efficient. Better information must be clearer for colds flu and where general pharmaceutical advise can be made must be clearer. The reception is leafy with pamphlets and forms. Cut it down and provide only information to the eye, that is essential. Other items can be placed elsewhere. Keep it minimally visual and relevant. There’s a lot of unneeded leaflets and dust. The staff. Some receptionists can be impatient, blunt, sharp and above the grade for enquiring and advising visitors and patients. A receptionist ensures an appointment can be organised and provides basic standard information; not medical advice or questioning the integrity of a patient. For example. A prescription needed to be repeated sooner than usual with immediate changes to one dose. The receptionist questioned why the need, due to the date and quantity not in line for the next delivery. This is not the role of the receptionist to determine if or not the GP should grant a new prescription, bearing in mind this request was imperative and to ensure no medication was delayed for the patient. The questioning only irritated and caused undue unnecessary anxiety whether the doctor on the word of the receptionist would guarantee the request be for-filled. I insisted she had no right and should ensure the letter be immediately given to the GP and not to question impersonally, the matter even with consideration and explanation provided in the letter. A letter and signature from the patient is the command you adhere to. Not to question the particularities of the request with why and what for. Whether she was a PHD doctorate in part time work, still doesn’t authorise such communicative to and throw, and I advise this not happen again. Do as you’re required. Other receptionist persons provide a service that is kindly and within the requirement of the role without illogical questioning and delay. Others need to smile and work on improving customer service and self organisation. I would insider this to be the weaker component, it improvement is there. Some are not listening to it. Some doctors are impeccably brilliant, caring and truly connect with you. Others will smell of cigarettes, be completely oblivious- making no eye contact, no connection or interaction between the patient and practitioner. This isn’t comfortable nor reassuring in need of advice and compassion. But I will praise 80% of doctors, because my experience has been positive overall. Nurse care and appointments are very good. The reception on days of wet weather could be cleaner and better maintained. Safety put at risk from slips trips and falls. Could benefit from a lick of paint. A water dispenser that is reliable and provides hot and cold refreshment. Upstairs have too many chairs. Replace with bench’s that are padded, and create a magazine rack rather than a table. Flowers if you feel the need to. Overall two stars. The front of house is much to be desired. More smiling and compassion and less obnoxious behaviour. Thank you.

My mother's doctor for the past 3 or 4 years, have to say it would be very hard to find a better and more caring practice for a 91 year old. I've read the other reviews and can only say this has not been the experience our family has had.

Awful surgery with outdated facilities. Can't book appointments. Have to call on the day and hope that they can fit you in. Not very practical for those who have to work. I have given up on the NHS since you can't access it and not had any of the health checks that should be carried out as I can't get an appointment. There is no 'care'. If something goes wrong you end up in A&E. Reviews on the NHS website do not get published or get deleted.