Let's face it, nobody wants to visit the doctors. Having had arthritis since the age of four…read morethough, I'm a bit of a connoisseur when it comes to local practices. This is the latest one, and probably one of my favourites. Obviously they look after me and provide me with all kinds of important medical care, but this place gets three things right that so many others have failed on.
Firstly, making an appointment. As wonderful as the NHS is, there will always have to be concessions made in trying to provide care for everyone. I've known first hand the frustrations local practices feel in trying to provide adequate care for their patients while dealing with strict staff and budget constraints.
The mark of a good surgery to me is how well the staff deal with these frustrations. The doctors, nurses and receptionists of the Buckingham Terrace Medical Practice deal with this admirably, and whilst I'm sometimes faced with delays when trying to fit an appointment around my working life, they always go the extra mile to make sure I'm seen and sorted in as quick a time as possible.
Secondly, they do a great job at monitoring patients, and if I get too lax or too busy with my life, they always provide a prompt and friendly reminder that I really should go see my doctor. Knowing I'm being looked after in such a fashion is a huge weight off my mind.
Finally, the website is an excellent resource, with all the information you could need about the practice and it's various clinics, and a helpful staff on hand should you have further queries. Ordering repeat prescriptions via the website is also a lovely touch in an increasingly time sensitive world.