I have been using the Shefford Surgery for about eighteen months now. I am in a situation which sometimes makes it harder than usual for me to have access to healthcare. I can only speak directly based on my own experience. For the last eight months or so I have had one to two appointments each month to help address a number of medical issues which have worsened over time due to my previously not being able to access healthcare, which has nothing to do with the Shefford surgery. I am finally beginning to see improvements in some long term issues. One doctor, in particular, has agreed to be a primary GP for me to see where possible and it has helped me so much that I don't have to begin again with lengthy descriptions of issues. I have the impression that this person actually does care about a patient's health and really wants to see an improvement in my quality of life and I have not always had that impression from NHS staff. It is difficult to get through to the reception at busy times, but as said I have had regular appointments and have been able to have my needs addressed, and I have managed to have short notice appointments with nurses on two occasions. If I later found myself unable to obtain an appointment when needed I might reduce my review score regarding access, but at this point is based on my direct experience. I would very much like to see an increase in access potential for people who cannot use a telephone in the future, but I know from personal experience that this surgery already stands well above others in that area. I have seen six doctors from this surgery so far and four nurses. All have been friendly and helpful and in some cases, perhaps because they are aware of my condition but I cannot be sure of this, they have seemed friendly and accommodating to an exceptionally high standard. Not every doctor has necessarily done all that I wanted them to, but explanations of limitations are given and I feel confident that in matters of high priority health care, I will not be let down. Since joining the Shefford surgery, the quality of care I receive has improved far beyond what I had come to expect from local NHS provision and I am finally beginning to see hope in some areas where things previously looked very bleak indeed.
Original Comment Report...

Just rang to make an appointment - waited a couple of minutes and got an appointment when needed. I had read reviews before hand and therefore had low expectations.Thank you. I have always been impressed with the surgery
Original Comment Report...