Handsworth Wood Medical Centre

Hospital discharge letter requesting GP to arrange endoscopy. GP told me, "No, you'll have to start from scratch with me". I've been asking for help for 15 years with menopause symptoms. However, after an operation I was prescribed iron tablets by the hospital consultant where dosage is dependent upon menopause status. GP asked if I had gone through the menopause. I said I didn't know because I use Mirena coil with no period for over 25 years. Initially GP refused me a blood test. Then said would call me back when he'd checked whether I should have a blood test. I was then given blood test. However, I still struggle with menopause symptoms for which the GP refuses help.

Prescription Review. This was done by the GP's/Medical Centre Pharmacist. There is a trend in parts of the medical community to remove Prescription pain medications from patients. This was initiated by a group of psychologists who have given many lectures, written papers and podcasts on the matter. Which is basically, 'Mind over Matter'. This is that the body is overreacting to pain or perceived pain. This can be seen by patients, at best ill-conceived and at worst, 'gaslighting' and trivialising the lives of patients living with pain. I nonetheless was prepared for the appointment as this has now become an unacceptable trend with this GP service.
The Pharmacist went through my prescription list (14 medications). The first was a pain medication and the Pharmacist spent some time (5 minutes) talking about the medication. The Pharmacist was patronising and bullying. I was asked several times if I had read the medication leaflet. I finally explained my job role and post graduate qualifications and that I could not only read the leaflet but fully understand it. Pharmacist then quickly went through the other medications until they got to another pain medication. The Pharmacist did the same again. I explained what debilitating conditions they treated and that they were prescribed by an NHS Pain Management Consultant. I would not have been able to go to work or even get out of bed on most days without these medications. We finished the list.
I told the Pharmacist that I was having reactions to a blood thinner and could I be referred to a specialist. The Pharmacist said no. I said that I did ask the receptionist whether the Pharmacist had the GP Practices' authority to refer me to a specialist if necessary to which I was assured of. I did request a GP for the prescription Review because I was having issues with the blood thinners. I informed the Pharmacist that this particular blood thinners (using the Pharmacist's own words regarding the pain medications on my list) Is 'very dangerous'. The Pharmacist then stated they would get a GP to call me. A GP phoned 3 days later and agreed the referral to haematology.

Very busy and difficult to get an appointment. The GPs and nurses are excellent though.

I was previously registered here but it was too far from my home so I changed GP. I never had any issues when I went as I didn't have to use them often but they were good. Just too far away.

They need to be more efficient in answering the telephone. They need to go back to the systems they had before covid.

The pharmacy staff are very friendly here and also very helpful.

I can never get an appointment and GPs are not helpful. When they see you they rush through the things. They don't try to engage or listen to you.

They don't answer the phone or reply back to emails. I always have an issue with repeat prescriptions.

Over the years they have provided excellent care and treatment. The GPs and nurses are amazing.

Reception staff very polite friendly and helpful as ever.
Health Care professional so careful and attentive as she always is. Thank you.