I would like to say from the very start that I am casting no aspersions on the competence of the medical staff at this doctor's surgery. Indeed, I'd struggle to do so, since I now avoid going to the doctor's full stop, such is my loathing of this surgery.
Hampton Medical Centre is home to a large group practice. You are unlikely to see the same doctor twice. In order to keep waiting lists down, they do not take appointments beyond the same day. If you need to visit a doctor, you have to phone first thing on the morning you intend to visit. This is fine for an acute illness, but extremely annoying for chronic conditions.
The reception staff have, in my experience, been one step above brain dead, and rude with it. I realise they are paid appallingly, but again, it is hugely off putting.
The impression one gets when visiting is that you are wasting their time, and all staff really have things far better to do. Whilst most of the medical staff I have dealt with have been ok, there is one doctor whom I can't stand, and I doubt his abilities - and others I have spoken to have felt the same.
The waiting room is large, with the typical health information posters and out of date magazines. There is also a children's play area. The reception staff sit within a square, and often don't seem to notice people walking in.
There are a large number of services on offer, as you'd expect from such a big practice. Nevertheless, I now don't go to the doctor. Ever. I should at some point, but won't. I do think it is time to change my practice. read more
