As far as I'm aware, no one actually likes going to the doctors. If you do then maybe that's…read moresomething you should see your GP about... Anyway, like I said, taking time out of your day to be poked and prodded is never fun but, for a doctors surgery, the Family Practice is a really great place to go and very relaxing. The Grade II listed building is the grandest surgery I've ever seen and its location in the residential area of Cotham means it's easy to find a parking space. The gardens are full of beautiful plants and lavender lines the walkway leading to the main entrance - whether or not it was a conscious decisions to have the calming smell of a herb to relax patients I don't know, but it certainly helps! Inside the main waiting room is at the front while the nurses' waiting room (where you would go for routine appointments or blood test etc) is round to the left. You can either sign in at the main reception or using the computer program at the front desk but be sure to note who your appointment is with as you need to make sure you're in the right waiting room. All the staff I have encountered has been friendly and professional and I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who lives in the area.

On a street off the bottom of Whiteladies Road, Whiteladies Health Centre is an excellent doctors…read moresurgery. Instead of ringing up when unwell, making an appointment, having to wait a couple of days and getting better in the interim all the same, here you just come along and see a doctor when you need to - which seems pretty logical to me. The surgery is clean, tidy, and quite large. They've just installed a new automated call system, so when the doctors ready your name will come up on the screen and be called out in an (slightly robotic) automated voice, which is quite high tech. The doctors are consistently welcoming and will take their time to listen and deal with your ailment, which doesn't always happen at other surgeries I've been to. The reception staff are mostly friendly as well, though as the other reviews reiterate, it's a busy surgery so they might be a tad eager to get you sorted - there's an incredibly friendly American lady, though, who is constantly happy and always serves you with a smile. They operate a morning and afternoon open surgery, which means during the daytime you can see a doctor but that is reserved for emergencies only. The busiest days are usually Monday, and although at busy times you might have to wait a little while, the service is usually swift. I highly recommend this health centre.

Just off Whiteladies Road the Medical Centre has had a recent makeover. The waiting room has not…read morechanged really, there are still plenty of seats that are comfortable enough, but they now have screens, as well as the announcements, to show when it is you turn to see the doctor, interspersed with medical adverts and health advice. Hopefully they'll get my suggestions and start showing DVDs. I have only ever attended the 'drop-in' surgery, which I feel is a bit of a Catch-22; you can always see the doctor on the day, but it can take up to 2 hours and you are not guaranteed to see the doctor each time, or you have to wait up to 2 weeks if you make an appointment! The drop-in surgery can mean you feel your appointment is a little rushed. However, on my last visit this was not the case, unfortunately I did have quite a long wait, I arrived at the surgery just after 8.30 but was not seen until after 9.15. The Doctor I did see, and this was just a general enquiry, ran through different options with me, gave me lots of advice and I felt like I had had my questions answered rather than like I was being a nuisance or wasting their time. There are some lovely doctors here and if you go early enough to the drop in timeslots you shouldn't have to wait too long. A reliable surgery, but remember to take a book with you to help pass the time! Unless you like magazines with pictures of Diana's wedding.

Hampton House Health centre is where you go when you're feeling poorly. The key to booking an…read moreappointment is to ring either first thing at 8.45 or at 2.00. Emergencies are handled differently and the centre offers a number of other services like Chlamydia screening, travel advice, blood tests and the like. The doctors are of course incredibly concerned for your health, but sometimes this verges on preaching; I have never been here without being asked, and then subsequently told off for my drink and smoking habits. However, they are consistently effective, treating any problem you may have. I would stress again the importance of booking appointments early to avoid being turned away.

I am visiting Bristol from California and, unfortunately, became ill during my visit. The walk-in…read morestaff were incredibly helpful! They were kind, courteous, and made me feel both welcome and cared for. The NP, Roger, was very friendly and helpful. It was a lovely experience to have given the unhappy circumstances. Thank you very much!

The homeopathic hospital is based at the top of Cotham Hill, in a long old building with a…read morebeautiful indoor courtyard. I used to come here when I was slightly younger, and was very impressed with the service they gave. For a start, the actual premises felt very far removed from the traditional sense of a 'hospital'. Rather than white washed walls and bright lighting, the theme is all low lit and warm browny colours, which immediately puts you at ease. The service was also very good - I think they only had a handful of doctors that would see outpatients, but the doctor I saw was massively friendly and made a great impression on me - he had a grandfather vibe about him, and would always take the time to listen, and explain situations very calmly, concisely and efficiently. It's an NHS hospital which is quite surprising for homeopathy, but if that's the route you need to take for treatment then make the most of it; this is a really excellent hospital.

The Homeopathic Hospital in Bristol is situated nearby to the main hospitals, at the top of St…read moreMichael's Hill. It looks small from the outside but is quite an extensive building. I haven't even received treatment from here, instead making use of their beautiful herb garden in the summer. Even spending time here gives out the feeling of calm and healing, and you can visit for free. The great thing about this hospital is that it is part of the NHS and not private, so everyone can make use of what they have to offer. Definitely worth a try, even if you're sceptical.