The Caversham Group Practice

I have been with this practice for many years, reading the reviews it does seem that many people here do have a point however the reasons are not as clear cut. From personal experience the staff are generally very good but there seems to be a very very high churn rate, so you rarely get the same doctor over a long period of time. In terms of the service, I think the reviews are a little unfair. A majority of the reasons for this are the blatant attempts by the current government administrations attempt to cripple the GP's service and privatize the whole thing. Don't believe me log into to Patient access and practically every service is now paid for. I've tried for the last few months to get help for what could or could not be a very serious issue, it's like pulling teeth. This must be putting peoples health and lives at risk. I know it's not their fault but it is so infuriating. We paid for this service and it's being sold for profit. We live in very dangerous times and we should not be pointing the finger of blame at Caversham, trust me they are the good guys.

Fantastic GP Surgery. I feel fortunate to live in this catchment area. Thanks

Revised after good chat with practice manager. See addenda at the end of original review. The owners of this practice would do well to take heed of the *BAD REVIEWS*. Personally, I have never had a problem with PROPER RECEPTION STAFF. Polite, conscientious and as quick as they are able to be. I don't have a specific doctor. I take appointments with whoever is available. I assume they all have access to my medical records if they need to refer to them. I have found them all to be intelligent, attentive and always trying to help. In particular the Nurse Sasha is a truly nice person who imbues both calm and confidence. I think it is always hard for "front facing" staff to deal with people who invariably are not at their best due to illness. HOWEVER......, there is a boy (or young man) who, I think, is something to do with their computers. That he should be permitted to deal with patients regardless of how short staffed the practice may or may not be is unfortunate. He obviously has had no training in dealing with people. Neither, it would appear has he ever learned any tact, polite behaviour or sensitivity. I object very strongly to the possibility that my personal, private information MAY be accessable to him. I am NOT CONVINCED that this practice is conforming to the DATA PROTECTION ACT if they permit this "child" (it's the only way I can describe his attitude) access FOR ANY REASON. Sadly, I am also unconvinced that there are not some members who are utilising the current COVID crisis as a means of light work and a paid holiday. If the average appointment allocation is 10 minutes for a short consult. Plus 15 minutes write up afterwards. Then it astounds me that with (apparently) so many doctors, telephone appointments can take 10 days to process. ***BUT*** CALL 111 and discuss your problems and surprise, surprise you get a call back from one of the doctors at the practice within 15 minutes of hanging up your call to 111. I don't wish to be unsympathetic. These are very trying times for all. But, there is a consensus that many GP surgerys (unlike hospital staff) are not pulling their weight. I hope I am mistaken. I truly do. I respectfully suggest that practice management consider very carefully how they are going to redress this perception. Otherwise, there will be a mass migration of patients and a follow-up investigation as to why. Maybe they should call for comments & suggestions from both satisfied and dissatisfied patients? They don't HAVE to implement any of the suggestions. But, at a time when most of us are feeling very isolated and even (to a degree) shunned due to not being able to see or show a face, it might make good sense to show that this practice is more than just a business. -------------------- Addenda The practice manager was good enough to call me when my review was brought to his attention. He advised me of several positive adjustments and corrected some of my perceptions. There is now an E-consult facility on their website (reviewed at a maximum of 24 hours by a GP) which enables one to detail issues that need attention but aren't chronic. Once a GP (or nurse, where relevant) has read the message they will make voice contact directly and, after discussion, decide what is the best way to resolve the issue (s). This may include being asked to visit the practice. Both the front and back entrances may be used to enter the premises. However, you need to take a phone with you because the doors are locked and you need to phone the receptionist to explain that you have an appointment and to be let in. Naturally all COVID precautions need to be taken prior to entry. Last, the young man I mentioned is older than he looks and is a member of reception staff. No staff member is permitted access to patient records without suitable government training which all staff have. I found the practice manager to be polite, responsive and helpful like all of the staff I have encountered to date.

I am a cancer patient and have to have regular blood test. I had no problem with this for one year, now start refusing to even send the blood test form to the kentish town blood test center even hospital letters telling them to do so. They have created e - consultancy which you have to agree to give access to a third party of your medical record. May be they saving money for some reason by reducing Doctors.

I have recently had poor experiences with this practice. On the first occasion I was left waiting 45 minutes for my appointment even though there was no one else in the waiting room. The receptionists barely acknowledged my presence and instead spent the time talking loudly to each other. When I did eventually see the doctor, there was no explanation of why the appointment was late and little apology. On the second occasion, I booked a telephone consultation (which took a week to get) and the doctor rang me over 45 minutes later than the booked time at which point I was on a work call so was not able to take the doctor's call. He left a message saying he would call a few minutes later but that if I was not available, I would have to re-book the appointment (despite it being him who was late). When I eventually spoke to him, I was asked to send some pictures via email and he said he would send me the address and then get back to me once he reviewed them. He never did. I had to call the practice to get the email address. I sent the pictures several days ago and am still waiting for a response despite following up with the practice by phone and being promised they would send a message to the doctor. This is poor poor customer service. I have now resorted to seeing a private GP and have also applied to join another GP practice.