NHS Stotfold Larksfield Surgery - Hitchin

Ketan K.

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the recent experience I have had while attempting to arrange a sick note through Larksfield Surgery web.

I had been advised by senior medical staff at the Bedford Hospital that I could request a sick note online. However, upon attempting to do so, I received a message stating that I need to book an appointment. Given the current circumstances, I find this particularly frustrating, as securing an appointment is a significant challenge. The wait times on the phone are often over an hour, and I have also encountered issues with the online system.

Furthermore, I have noticed that the online booking form is only available starting at 12:30 pm, and if you are not quick to submit, all available appointments are gone within minutes. This makes it virtually impossible to access care in a timely manner. It is concerning that such a critical service is not more effectively managed, especially when dealing with something as essential as sick notes.

The inefficiencies I’ve experienced raise broader concerns about the overall management of GP surgeries and the NHS system as a whole. There seems to be a lack of business acumen in handling these essential services, and the difficulties I have encountered in trying to access care are not isolated incidents. These systemic issues are undermining the quality of care and trust in the healthcare system.

I would appreciate it if you could address these concerns and provide more clarity on how the system can be improved for the benefit of patients.

Caitlin

A&E would probably be quicker. Worst doctors I think you could find in a 100 mile radius. Never have any appointments unless you call at 8am on the dot, not 1 second later or fill out a triage form 12:30 on the dot, again not 1 second later. Shame because some staff are nice.

Frazer C.

We all know the issues that the surgery has had and we’ve experienced many of them in the past. However it’s great to see that changes are being made and the situation seems to be improving in places. Needed to have my daughter seen urgently this morning and was able to find an appointment online for 8:30, had diagnosis, meds and home by 9am. Paediatric Doctor was wonderful. Brilliant service today so credit where it’s due!

Calamity S.

I’ve had nothing but super professional service from this surgery. I am new here but since my enrolment, it’s been fantastic! I’ve not had a GP for 5 years due to not having a fixed address and every GP before here has turned me away. Mostly against the rules too. But these guys from the word go have been exemplary, welcomed me with zero judgement and got the ball rolling. In the last month they’re initiated getting my many meds back on track, arranged a heart ct scan and other outpatient appts, contacted me at every step. Received meds from Addenbrookes for me, and generally gone above and beyond the service I expected.
Thank you so much for helping me get my life back on track!

Georgina R.

With all the bad press this surgery gets i just wanted to write a postive review. The reception staff are lovely! They have helped me no end when my daughter was getting endless tonsillitis. On one occasion, when my daughter was very unwell, one of the reception staff (i think either Claire or Helen) went to pick up the antibiotics for me as the pharmacy was shutting and i couldn't get there in time. They were really wonderful and I cant thank them enough for their empathy and understanding. This is the first surgery Ive felt like the reception staff truly care.
Of course there are problems as theres not enough doctors and far too many patients but this isn't the fault of the surgery. I really feel like they do the best they can under the circumstances and hopefully Stotfold will get another surgery to ease the pressure.
I love the new triage system and the call back option when you call for on the appointments.

Karen F.

I have had nothing but great service at this practice. I have always gone through the online application for appointments and have always got a reply regarding medication or an appointment. I only had to wait 5 minutes once I had checked in at Larksfield and the dr was lovely , he listened to what I needed and prescribed the medication. Great service and lovely helpful staff on the desk .

Sarah F.

Absolutely diabolical surgery. I have worked as a clinician in general practice for 25 years and this is undoubtedly the worst surgery I have come across. After completing an online form, as unable to speak to anyone on the phone, I requested an urgent appointment. I was sent a text message giving me an appointment in a weeks time. A further message was sent from a GP advising me to go to urgent care / A&E if I need to be seen sooner. Absolutely shocking and totally inappropriate use of A&E and rightly so I would probably be referred back to my GP if I did decide to follow this ridiculous advice

Roberta P.

Terrible service. Waiting for more than hour on call to be told no appointments left for today. And it's not the first time. Absolutely useless. I have to go to private GP all the time and pay money. It used to be a good service but the last years it's absolutely a nightmare