The Arch Medical Practice

If you get through to them they provide a good service, however it is very hard to get an appointment. They disabled their NHS app appointment system so the app just says no appointments available to book online at this time". When I call them they say you can book through the app but I tell them they disabled it and they say "we didn't make the app". Horrible. I call to make an appointment they say "we're full" before you even say what issue you have. Horrible. Terrible."

I really have nothing bad to say about Arch Medical Practice.1. Incredibly easy to arrange a repeat prescription using their online form2. Receptionists have always been lovely anytime I've spoken to them on the phone3. The GPs and practice nurses I've seen in the clinic and spoken to on the phone have always been friendly, compassionate, professional and very helpful.All the staff are working within the constraints of the system of the NHS and are doing a very good job.

The doctors and medical staff at this surgery are attentive, professional, knowledgeable and are all round great and I couldn't praise them any more. What really lets this surgery down is the staff who answer the phones - their entire goal is to usher you away, whether or not they've actually dealt with your problem or not. They really couldn't care less in helping your issue or sign posting you in the right direction, they just incentivise you as much as they can to look elsewhere. Considering they are the face of their doctor's surgery, that just astounds me.Every single time I interact with them it's incredibly disheartening, as they don't answer your queries and just come back with useless and empty suggestions or advice. I just rang up asking about updating a prescription as there's a manufacturing issue with the pharamcies, and the reply I got was I'll message someone

Mostly okay experience, it takes a while to get through on the phone (I’ve been 50th place in the queue at 8:30am) but I’ve always managed to get an appointment and the nurse who did my blood test was lovely.One of the receptionists , not sure who , usually has a dismissive tone. I was told by the NHS website to book a GP appointment if experiencing symptoms of tachycardia. I explained this to the receptionist who admitted “I don’t know what you’re talking about” in reference to my symptoms. She didn’t direct me to a GP and instead tried to schedule a video call with a contracted private company. When I said I wasn’t free that day, she told me to ring up another day to see if they had any spaces. I don’t understand why she thought this was the appropriate avenue, when I rang 111 about my tachycardia they correctly gave me a GP appointment for it.I dealt with the same receptionist after my GP appointment. The nurse specifically instructed me to wait for a call back for the admin team about any cancellations for an ECG. I missed a call from them, waited that day, and called back the next day to notify them that I hadn’t made an appointment still. When I told this to the receptionist she was confused and told me that it was my responsibility to call the practise, contrary to what I was told. Throughout the call she had the same dismissive tone and it sounded like my problems were just an inconvenience to her. I get that receptionists have to juggle appointments and what not but I didn’t do a single thing wrong. I don’t even want to call the practise anymore because I feel stupid when I speak to her.

I would advise avoiding this practice if you can. They are frustrating to deal with and at times have bordered on dangerous. Referrals made for the wrong patient/ unnecessary investigations Of course, no apology given when this was brought to their attention. Referrals they said they would make - not making them and not informing you of this. Borderline impossible to book an appointment if you have a job while simultaneously holding long term medication hostage if you don't book one. I'm not sure what they expect patients to do, book a day off in case theres an available slot when you call in at 8am? And if there's no slot then what? Do the same the next day? There is there online system as well which can be unavailable for weeks at a time. Of course when you do finally manage to book in you get a 4 hour window during which the GP will call you and even then they sometimes manage to call outside those times. Now I appreciate that GPs are overworked and busy and I don't mind being called later than expected. But it's ridiculous to have to clear an entire morning/afternoon for a 10-15min consultation. And god forbid you miss their call (when they call outside the stated times), you'll get a condescending message saying that they couldn't reach you and you have to do the whole process all over again.

I’ve tried to call the surgery twice this morning at 8am. After waiting 25 mins, the receptionist answered, and put the phone down after 2 seconds, as I was trying to speak. I called back and waited another 15 mins. The same receptionist answered. I said hello, they responded how can I help, and then again put the phone down straight away. I found it so disappointing, as she answered as if she had heard me. The surgery is aware you have very long waiting times in the morning. Why would they not even give a chance for people to speak before putting the phone down. Very unprofessional, as it really felt like it was on purpose.

Brilliants GPs and workers, like Matt. I think we should help them being best patients when possible and when not, comunicate with them as much as we can. Thanks for being so open, empathetic and professionals.

The actual worst doctors I’ve ever had. Called this morning to get the results of a scan I had and I can never book in advance for myself, but when I get a professional to do so (Pa, social worker) they always can get me an appointment. It makes absolutely no sense.

Pretty good. The doctors are kind and don't dismiss you or talk over you. I'd recommend using the NHS app to book appointments early (take whichever doctor is available as they all have different availability). Refilling repeat prescription isn't done via phone so you'll have to go in person, or call your nominated pharmacy to put in a request for you or again use the NHS app which I recommend.The reception is alright as far as I've used them but they're so busy in the mornings I'd say wait till noon if you can to phone in.Most requests/questions can be sent in via email or the NHS app if phoning reception isn't an option for you.As someone with anxiety I like to avoid phone calls so I use the app for most stuff related to the gp and I get a fast response, usually the same day or the next day.Referrals take ages but that's just a general issue and you can ask for updates on it via the app too.