The Barnstaple Alliance is a voluntary association of the four General Practitioner surgeries: Brannam, Fremington, Litchdon and Queens. Whilst retaining our independent surgeries, we are working together on collaborative projects to improve and develop our healthcare services and care given to patients.
Last Thursday I was told by Sister Clare that I am type 2 diabetic. I was a little 'taken aback' at this and very shocked and tearful. I am writing to say that she was, at once comforting and explained what would happen next and what I had to change in my life style. Sister Clare was so understanding, (had tissues at the ready) was not in the least bit critical of my of how I came to be in this position.
Last Thursday I was told by Sister Clare that I am type 2 diabetic. I was a little 'taken aback' at this and very shocked and tearful. I am writing to say that she was, at once comforting and explained what would happen next and what I had to change in my life style. Sister Clare was so understanding, (had tissues at the ready) was not in the least bit critical of my of how I came to be in this position.
Services
Outside of normal surgery hours, if you require medical advice, or, If you require medical assistance but it is not an emergency then call 111. Out-of-hours services are generally busy so please think carefully before asking to see a doctor and only do so if you genuinely cannot wait until the surgery re-opens.
It is important to make this initial appointment as early as possible - at least 6 weeks before you travel - as a second appointment will be required with the practice nurse to actually receive the vaccinations. These vaccines have to be ordered as they are not a stock vaccine. Your second appointment needs to be at least 2 weeks before you travel to allow the vaccines to work.
If you are ill while away from home or if you are not registered with a doctor but need to see one you can receive emergency treatment from the local GP practice for 14 days. After 14 days you will need to register as a temporary or permanent patient. You can be registered as a temporary patient for up to three months.
I graduated from Edinburgh University Medical School in 1988, moved to North Devon in 1990 when I started work in the North Devon District Hospital rotating in various specialities up until 1993 when I became a partner at this practice. I enjoy all aspects of family practice and feel privileged to be able to build upon my relationship with patients.
Fern Centre is the name for the North Devon Cancer and Wellbeing Centre based at North Devon's District Hospital in Barnstaple. Fern Centre is run by specialist staff and trained volunteers who will welcome you in and help you find the information and support that you need. Fern Centre provide 6 sessions of one-to-one counselling for individuals in North Devon living with and beyond cancer, their partners and children.
Reviews (10)
Darren Lock
Oct 31, 2021
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Receive a letter about getting a flu jab, try to phone but always seem to be engaged, you get through no appointments available at this time, try again in a weeks time, go into the surgery a month later to book a flu jab, first you get asked have you had a letter, YES, Q:are you sure, A: well yes that;s why I am here, A: sorry no space at the moment call again in a weeks time. So now had two letters as it is very important to get a flu jab but still cant get one. What ever happened to online booking surely that's the easier way than wasting everybody's time on the phone or calling at the surgery
Justyna Choszcz
Sep 26, 2021
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Justin Webber
Sep 08, 2021
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This surgery is entirely pointless, never has a doctor available, and the reception staff are unhelpful and often extremely rude. I'm opposed to contacting the doctor on a good day, and this adds a ridiculous hurdle that I can barely be bothered to jump. I think for my health in the future, switching to another surgery is the best option.
Faruk Kucuk
Aug 21, 2021
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I do understand covid 19 take lots of our life
away that's why we are all unhappy. I go get chiropractor help so I can go to work just asking some strong pain killers. I was on the phone 3 for times today each one more than half an hour that's understandable maybe finely get some one on the phone she says ring at 8 15 between 9 am if you want to get appointment. If you call some one sweet heart .is it mean something wrong if it's apologies for that .if you can't do what you doing in normal life even you been 2 time chiropractic in one week with bad back is should be an emergency some one can explain
away that's why we are all unhappy. I go get chiropractor help so I can go to work just asking some strong pain killers. I was on the phone 3 for times today each one more than half an hour that's understandable maybe finely get some one on the phone she says ring at 8 15 between 9 am if you want to get appointment. If you call some one sweet heart .is it mean something wrong if it's apologies for that .if you can't do what you doing in normal life even you been 2 time chiropractic in one week with bad back is should be an emergency some one can explain
Nicky Lines
Jun 07, 2021
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Luckily I rarely go to the doctors but having had a high blood pressure reading and an ongoing worsening painful knee (had put off bothering the doctors through Covid etc) I called the doctor this morning.
The receptionist was unfriendly and her tone was unpleasant throughout the call. I told her that I had the two issues, I mentioned that the high BP was flagged up at A&E top which she replied "you went to A&E" in a sarcastic tone! I then explained that I went to A&E for an unrelated matter not the above.
I told her that my BP reading was 170/110 which is very high and she offered me a blood
The receptionist was unfriendly and her tone was unpleasant throughout the call. I told her that I had the two issues, I mentioned that the high BP was flagged up at A&E top which she replied "you went to A&E" in a sarcastic tone! I then explained that I went to A&E for an unrelated matter not the above.
I told her that my BP reading was 170/110 which is very high and she offered me a blood
Cathie
May 23, 2021
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Tried to get an appointment for my son. Told to book from 8.15am as only allowed same day bookings. Called at 8.20 all appointments gone. Advised to take him to Bideford Minor Injuries which was closed (and apparently has been for months). Then had to call 3 more times that day to get a doctor to call me. When he finally spoke to me, he couldn't offer any treatment and advised me to go to A&E where I spend 3.5 hours. Really poor service from Reception Team.
Oliver Morrish
Apr 18, 2021
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Whenever I eventually do speak to a doctor they are helpful, however having any communication with the receptionist is painful. She is the most horrendous person to speak to. Sarcastic, rude and unhelpful. The worst person for the job. I'm convinced she takes pleasure in being difficult and from reading the other reviews left here I'm clearly not the only person who has experienced this. I will be making formal complaints and then moving to another surgery.
Tanya
Dec 07, 2020
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Savannah Spencer
Oct 28, 2020
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Dr das is the best doctor in queens and I always felt heard and understood when I leave his office. However unfortunately it's a battle with the receptionist being so dis- organized. A few times they were meant to send a letter out but failed to do so whilst being rude and impatient on the phone.
The receptionist refused to give me an appointment at one stage as I didn't have no phone but soon as I said I'll switch to brennams I had an appointment within half an hour. I cannot wait to change my doctors and get the actual professional help that's needed
The receptionist refused to give me an appointment at one stage as I didn't have no phone but soon as I said I'll switch to brennams I had an appointment within half an hour. I cannot wait to change my doctors and get the actual professional help that's needed
Giusy Tripoli
Jul 29, 2020
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Long waiting list, I've been waiting 6 hours for a telephone appointment.
A doctor visited me, and her level of professionality was very low; she didn't know a sure diagnosis, and wrote two options on a piece of paper, telling me to Google them.
She seemed judgemental and rude at times while talking to me. She even didn't let me finish to explain my issues properly, because she was in a rush to see other patients.
Also, awful experience with one of the telephone appointments coordinators; she clearly sounded annoyed on the phone, very unprofessional, while I was asking if I could call the pharmacy
A doctor visited me, and her level of professionality was very low; she didn't know a sure diagnosis, and wrote two options on a piece of paper, telling me to Google them.
She seemed judgemental and rude at times while talking to me. She even didn't let me finish to explain my issues properly, because she was in a rush to see other patients.
Also, awful experience with one of the telephone appointments coordinators; she clearly sounded annoyed on the phone, very unprofessional, while I was asking if I could call the pharmacy
