Barclay Medical Practice Livingston: Accessibility and Patient Experience
The Barclay Medical Practice located in Livingston, Scotland, aims to provide a range of healthcare services with a focus on accessibility. As an important healthcare facility, it features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a dedicated wheelchair-accessible car park, ensuring that all patients, regardless of mobility challenges, can access essential medical care.
Understanding Accessibility Features
Accessibility is a key consideration for healthcare providers, especially for the elderly and those with disabilities. The Barclay Medical Practice has made strides in this area:
Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance: With a door designed for easy entry, individuals using wheelchairs or mobility aids can navigate without hassle.
Dedicated Wheelchair-Accessible Car Park: Patients can find designated parking spots close to the entrance, reducing distance and exertion when visiting the practice.
Patient Feedback and Experiences
Feedback from patients reveals a mixed experience regarding overall satisfaction at the Barclay Medical Practice. Many appreciate the staff's friendliness, noting particular praise for receptionists and nurse practitioners who have shown empathy and attentiveness.
While some patients have expressed concerns about the appointment system, stating that it can be challenging to secure a timely visit, others commend the cleanliness and organization of the facility. For instance, one patient remarked on the reception staff's helpfulness, suggesting improvements could be made to streamline the phone appointment system and enhance communication during peak times. The struggle to get through to the office has been a common theme, with many describing the process as frustrating.
The Importance of Continuity of Care
Continuity of care remains a significant factor in patient satisfaction. Several reviews highlighted the difficulty in building a rapport with clinicians due to frequent changes in appointments and staffing. Patients have noted the importance of seeing the same healthcare professional consistently, which allows for better understanding and personalized treatment plans.
Despite these challenges, there are positive notes regarding specific staff members who have provided exceptional service, fostering a sense of trust and care among their patients. Mentioned specifically were the efforts of certain nurses and admin staff in making patients feel welcomed and supported during their visits.
Conclusion
Overall, the Barclay Medical Practice demonstrates a commitment to accessibility while navigating challenges related to appointment availability and staff continuity. While many patients express a desire for improved appointment systems, the feedback emphasizes the importance of approachable staff and an accommodating environment. As healthcare needs continue to evolve, so must practices like Barclay adapt to maintain a high standard of care for all, ensuring that accessibility features contribute positively to the patient experience.
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Good day! I underwent a small procedure earlier today with Dr. Scot MacKenzie (I hope I got that right!). I was feeling quite anxious about it, but the doctor and nurse made me feel at ease and assured me that it would be painless... and it was. Many thanks to them!
Bruce Jackson (09/09/2025, 04:52):
Absolutely dreadful, I must say! Securing an appointment is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, no matter how urgent your condition may be. I found myself abruptly disconnected by a rather impolite doctor, who insisted I call back to reach his associate in the midst of our conversation. I have no choice but to seek private care due to their utter incompetence. Simply dreadful experience all around!
Janet Garcia (08/09/2025, 15:11):
Truly dreadful, I must say. Getting an appointment is like finding a needle in a haystack. You have to ring ceaselessly from the crack of dawn for a good hour. Don't hold your breath for any meaningful assistance. They snatched away my co-codamol that NHS 24 prescribed me, and handed me anti-inflammatory pills that might as well be candy for all the pain relief they offer. It's a complete shambles over there. The establishment ought to be boarded up.
Richard Cox (03/09/2025, 19:00):
AVOID THIS PRACTICE!
They only offer same-day appointments, so you must call at 8am and, if fortunate enough to get through, a GP will call back to assess if they will see you.
My appointment was scheduled for 10:00am but I had noted 10:10am in my calendar, while on the phone with the receptionist.
I've waited up to 40 minutes in the waiting room, and being just 10 minutes late - by their clock - required me to start the whole process over.
For patients with serious issues, the wait time could be concerning.
There's another GP in the same building that has better reviews.
Brenda Anderson (01/09/2025, 20:31):
I just want to give a shoutout to Lynne Murdoch and Irene Carty at the reception of the Fauldhouse branch for helping me navigate the process of leaving a review for the practice. I truly hope you both receive your Amazon vouchers soon! It's a win-win situation as your employer can deduct them from their end-of-year returns, so it doesn't cost the company a penny.
On another note, I have to commend the doctors at this practice for their forward-thinking approach towards implementing a centralized online system. They are handling the transition with great skill and efficiency. Although the system is still in its early stages, given the rapid advancements in technology, it won't be long before we may have to pay for a video consultation with our doctor.
Michael Turner (30/08/2025, 04:43):
VERIFICATION: Similar to numerous GP practices, this is a PRIVATE BUSINESS that has a CONTRACT with the NHS, as clarified in the trade publication "Practice Business" on 17/1/18. Staff members, such as receptionists, are reported to receive a share of the profits, akin to the model seen at the retailer John Lewis.
Notwithstanding, a few charitable contributions and displays of virtue do not diminish the prevailing perception that this establishment prioritizes profit over the welfare of individuals. To encapsulate this sentiment concisely:
IRRESPONSIBLE - MERCENARY - DANGEROUS
In an update from 8/2/21, after lodging formal complaints with the practice manager regarding their conduct and its impact on my well-being, regrettably, these grievances have been overlooked, inadequately addressed, and there were attempts to backtrack on previous assurances.
Towards the end of December 2020, I received correspondence indicating their willingness to continue dispensing my prescriptions; however, when I recently requested said medication on 2/2/21 (as postal delivery was necessitated due to the pandemic), I encountered resistance from an uncooperative individual who asserted that they would not send the medication. Despite being an ASSIGNED patient residing beyond the practice's regular catchment area, I was informed that I must seek services elsewhere.
Currently unwell, I am unable to travel, and given the ongoing health crisis, one would expect GP facilities to reduce unnecessary visits. This situation mirrors the previous confrontations that led to my assignment by the Scottish Government.
At present, I find myself without vital medication for a severe respiratory condition due to a staff member's misuse of authority and intimidating treatment of a patient. It raises the question of why individuals with such a mindset are recruited and retained in positions of responsibility.
It is only a matter of time before the repercussions of such juvenile behavior result in tragic consequences. My original post from last summer remains relevant.
If feasible, I advise steering clear of this establishment. It is incredulous that a GP practice would neglect to provide essential medications or medical attention to an individual with a respiratory ailment, especially during the COVID pandemic. However, this is precisely the predicament created by the obstinate bureaucrats in charge here! This is not the first instance where I have been subjected to such treatment by presumptuous NHS-Lothian Primary Care staff.
I was initially assigned to Barclay Livingston in November '19 by NHS-NSS as an 'out of area' patient following ongoing issues with my local GP practices. Despite their claims of a patient-centered approach akin to John Lewis, I have now been abruptly removed from their roster by an administrator solely based on my out-of-area status. This action has left me without access to vital healthcare services, posing significant risks to my well-being.
The unyielding Practice Manager displayed no interest in my concerns or regard for my safety; his primary focus was on mitigating "insurance" and "costs." In my view, his conduct was motivated by malice due to my prior efforts to address the inadequacies within the local NHS Primary Care system through official channels.
I have escalated these grievances to NHS-Lothian, the Scottish Government, and engaged legal counsel with the intention of pursuing legal action.
Amanda Coleman (27/08/2025, 16:17):
Big thanks to Alex and Viv for sorting out a few hiccups I had. They were so helpful, friendly, and took the time to assist me and clarify everything. Also, top-notch service from everyone, whether by phone or in-person for an appointment. Cheers!
Judy Hamilton (26/08/2025, 16:04):
I had to ring up at 8am to schedule an appointment, but it was absolutely worth it. Gillian was absolutely lovely to me, she was very reassuring and made sure to thoroughly check everything. She even managed to draw blood from me, which can be quite challenging. She took the time to have a chat with me, and I walked out feeling much better. Thank you, Gillian!
Teresa Brooks (25/08/2025, 19:27):
Michaela went out of her way to schedule my appointment and was very kind, she was really dedicated to her job and did an amazing job. Thank you.
The nurse Helen I saw was fantastic, she paid attention to everything I said and took me seriously as well. She didn't make me uncomfortable at all and was able to assist me with my issue.
Timothy Jackson (25/08/2025, 00:22):
Terrible service, I must say. No matter how unwell one is, they expect you to phone in the next morning to secure an appointment, and even then it's like a competition to get one. And if you manage to snag an appointment, you're only seen by nurses with restricted expertise, not by proper doctors who can properly evaluate and counsel on real health concerns. My advice? Focus on fitness and exercise instead of depending on this dreadful service. It's a dreadful approach to public health. Definitely steer clear of this place. Seek out alternatives elsewhere...
Brittany Jordan (23/08/2025, 08:58):
Absolutely dreadful - no matter when you ring up, the line is always engaged and securing an appointment takes ages.
You must be proactive and ensure you schedule an appointment before falling ill !!!!
A few of the receptionists are quite rude and not customer-oriented in the slightest, whereas others are exceptional.
The internet booking system is ineffective, assuming it functions, as securing an appointment is impossible.
I find it hard to fathom that there are so many 'ill' individuals in the vicinity - shirkers, perhaps, but genuinely unwell individuals, not really.
Joan Howard (22/08/2025, 15:47):
I must say, it's quite a struggle to secure an appointment at this hospital! By the time you finally get through, there are no slots available to book in advance. All they say is to try again tomorrow... What a complete farce! It's been a recurring issue for 6 years now.
Wayne Torres (22/08/2025, 00:35):
I am quite taken aback that there hasn't been any news coverage about a fatality resulting from this process. The front desk team faces a tough task managing a large number of patients with limited appointment slots, but their attitude comes across as rather unpleasant and indifferent! Unsure about the remedy? Simply displaying a bit of empathy can go a long way in making patients feel more at ease and respond in kind. There has to be a solution to accommodate more appointments, perhaps by recruiting additional physicians, expanding the facility, or even merging with another nearby practice. Action definitely needs to be taken.
Chloe Turner (19/08/2025, 18:52):
I haven't needed to reach out to Barclays for medical guidance in quite some time, and honestly, it was a bit of a nightmare in the past. However, credit where credit is due - I called this morning and got through after a short wait. A doctor called me back at 9 am. I must say, I am very impressed with the service.
Elizabeth Gomez (15/08/2025, 05:25):
I must say, the way Barclays is organized seems to create unnecessary obstacles between patients and medical professionals. I reached out for an appointment and was told I would receive a call back later that day. This arrangement doesn't seem feasible for those with busy schedules. And even when I finally got an appointment, I didn't feel like my concerns were truly heard.
Timothy Cruz (09/08/2025, 09:50):
Avoid this place at all costs! I had the most terrible experience with their surgical services. It's a nightmare trying to schedule an appointment, as you have to call on the same day and can spend over an hour on hold just to be told there are no available appointments. It took them more than 4 weeks to refer me to a hospital because, in their own words, "they didn't know how," while a family member's referral was made within 24 hours. Their incompetence is truly mind-boggling.
Kimberly Campbell (07/08/2025, 21:35):
What a bloomin' disaster of a practice! They went and changed me missus' appointment time without so much as a word, leaving me to scarper from work early to fetch our lass from school. Ended up being a good half hour tardy for my own appointment, and to top it off, the young'un missed her paid-for swimming lesson! Absolute joke, not to mention the time and money it's cost us. And yet if we're even five minutes behind schedule, they'd give us the boot! Outrageous, that place.
Doris Morgan (07/08/2025, 13:23):
Whilst I have had varied experiences with a few consultants who are no longer working with the practice (locums), the reception team, especially one individual whom I shall not name, has been exceptionally helpful. She exudes a polite and positive attitude towards her work and when speaking with patients like myself on the phone.
Keep up the fantastic work!
Lisa Baker (06/08/2025, 05:24):
I must say, the service was absolutely dreadful. I spent a good 40 minutes trying to get through, just to be met with a constant engaged tone. Here I am with my poorly 12-year-old, and I can't even manage to secure basic medical attention. It truly makes me question what exactly I'm contributing my National Insurance increase towards. The last time I found myself in this unfortunate predicament, I was advised to visit the pharmacy, only to be turned away with no assistance. Words cannot express how dissatisfied I am with the quality of service provided.
Bryan Morales (05/08/2025, 01:05):
I must say, I recently had an unfortunate experience at a hospital that left much to be desired. The nurses and doctors seemed disinterested and failed to truly listen to my concerns. Sadly, the management appeared to be quite ineffective as well. Hopefully, others do not have to endure such subpar healthcare services.
