To be fair.... I ended up getting an appointment by calling at 8.00 as suggested in one of the posts above. I went in - and the receptionist was lovely !!! Don't know what happened but maybe someone has had a quiet word with her.

So I take it all back !!!

I also saw a very nice new doctor there - so generally I had a good experience.

So apologies for the initial rant....

Lavender Hill Group Practice is fantastic. You can always get emergency same day appointments, and you can also speak to a doctor over the phone which saves many a wasted visit!

Yes i have to say i think Battersea Rise are fantastic. Your'e right the receptionist there is incredibly rude but she's one of 3 and the others are lovely. If you ring at 8am and explain you need your child to be seen you pretty much always get an appointment. The doctors there are brilliant.

They are very receptive to feedback so you should mention it. i had a small complaint and they were amazing.

Thank you Townieathart - I didn't know that ! Might try one last attempt and call at 8am tomorrow ... I have put up with her for 10 years I might as well try one last time. it would help if they told you about this !!!

Thank you all for the brilliant recommendations which I will definitely keep in mind if I keep having problems with Battersea Rise. It is a shame as most of the doctors are good - shame they can't sort out reception!

I can heartily recommend the Lavender Hill Group practice - it is a fantastic surgery!! DR Brook was amazing when my pre-eclampsia continued post delivery and started getting worse again after I had been discharged from hospital and the midwives were scarce on the ground. She phoned me every day until my BP started to look more normal again and contacted my consultant to ensure I got the right meds and doses. I was so sad when we moved to earlsfield and had to change practices (although my new one is good also).

I have always managed to get appointments for my children within 24hrs, if not same day, and for myself within 48hrs at the Battersea Rise Group Practice. I agree there is one particularly sour faced receptionist but I'm not sure she's worth moving for.
I used to be registered with Dr Begg and left because I found the 'one appointment one problem' policy infuriating.
Guess everyone's experiences are different but I'm so suprised about having to wait a week for your child to be seen. Are you calling first thing? They always have appointments available within 48hrs if you call at 8am, that's their policy. But if you just call at 9,10,11 etc... they'll offer you what's available in the next week or so.

Been with Lavender Hill Group Practice and can't fault them. Lovely reception staff, you can always get same day appt if urgent. Amazing doctors who take time to talk to you and ensure you are treated. Lovely with children.

The Haider practice in the St John centre is v good as well. Same day appt for me and my children. Also the Dr Ban Haider is following through all tge time, calling after a few days to ask if the child is feeling better, she took yhr advice of our private consultant and made note if the medicine to prescribe our daughter even though they are a bit more expensive, etc.
i recommend them.

Thank you so much for the recommendations ! I am going to look into the St John's hill one as it would be quite easy for us.

Thank you again !

I can recommend the Dr Begg practice in the St John's Hill therapy centre, really nice with kids and I've always been able to get an appointment the same day. Like you I was thoroughly fed up with the reception and admin staff at our previous GP and haven't looked back since changing! And even if you ever find them to be rude Dr Begg would want to know about it and do something!


Good luck

I'm very happy at the Lavender Hill Group Practice - http://www.lhgp.org.uk/

We no longer have a clinic in Battersea but we can offer you same day appointments in Wimbledon at either of our two clinics there.

At 39 Hartfield Rd, Wimbledon, SW19 3SG or 18a Ridgway, Wimbledon SW19 4QN.

To find out more visit our website at www.wimbledprivategpclinic.co.uk or call us on : 020 8540 1009

Private GP Wimbledon

Does anyone have any recommendations ? I am completely and utterly FED UP (!!!!) with the Battersea Rise Practice. I have put up with the rudeness of their receptionist for 10 years and can no longer put up with it. Sorry for the rant but I don't get why someone who clearly does not like people works in a job where she has to speak to people all day ?

Can I also ask whether it is normal in the area to have to wait for a week for an appointment for a child ?

I have already tried Thurleigh Road but unfortunately we are out of their "catchment" area... any suggestions would be appreciated !

I am also wondering whether anyone can recommend any private practices so that at least on this occasion I can get my son seen by a doctor sooner.

Thanks !