THERE has been strong reaction to news that Winyates Health Centre tops Bromsgrove and Redditch GP complaints list.

GP surgeries in Bromsgrove and Redditch received 164 complaints last year, an average of three per week - with one surgery alone receiving one complaint around every 20 days.

The Advertiser recently reported that Winyates Health Centre in Redditch received 19 written complaints in 2018 - three of which were fully upheld and nine partially upheld, according to NHS Digital figures.

That means Winyates accounted for more than 10 per cent of complaints across the area covered by the NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group).

Of the 161 complaints resolved across Bromsgrove and Redditch – some were carried forward or left until the next year – 24 per cent were fully upheld, and 22 per cent partially upheld.

The most common reason for complaints against GP surgeries in the area was staff attitude.

GPs were the most common subject of complaints, mentioned in 43 per cent of new cases – followed by cases in which no staff were involved or staff were categorised as other (29 per cent) and administrative staff including receptionists (21 per cent).

The article prompted a number of replies, with some defending the health centre, and some claiming they have received poor service.

Barry Crompton said: "Been registered at this practice all my my 47 years of life, it has been fantastic for all of those but sad to say over the past few years it is declining with appointment times ever increasing and the lack of doctors to see. Very rarely you can see the same doctor for any given illness twice, like you could in the good old days like DR Doherty - the family doctor and the good old originals. Time moves on as we all know, but they have to up their game a little I think to keep their reputation."

Della Green said: "I have been at Winyates centre for ages. I have always got an appointment when I need it. They do a great job."

Lauren Andrews said: "Been with this doctors all my life and they've been nothing but amazing! One doctor I cannot stand but the rest are great. Such a friendly surgery."

Sally Ann Poole said: "I've never really had any problems been with them since living in Redditch. Very helpful staff."

Tracey N Geoff Parkes said: "Been with this practice for years, and never had any problems with staff or appointments."

However, not everyone was complimentary.

Taylor Em Winyates said: "Has lots of bad points that I have raised many times. But it falls of deaf ears, they do not listen to their patients and there is sense there amongst staff of despondency where they are aware of issues with certain staff and procedures but shrug it off or agree with it but say there is nothing they can do.

Kayleigh Heeks said: "Had so much trouble with Winyates doctors. Ended up in hospital several times because they basically told me nothing was wrong."

Tracy Xavier said: "I've been going here since I was a child and it's nothing like it was not surprised by this."

Amy Louise said: "I've only ever had one problem with Winyates but it was big enough for me to put a formal complaint in."