Good GP surgery in Oxfordshire?

[Jcat28]

Hiya, we’ve moved to Clanfield (near Bampton) in Oxfordshire and trying to find a good GP. I’m pregnant at the moment, but also have a chronic illness which means I need pretty regular consults and prescriptions. Have been using NHS GP at Hand for years which is incredible (almost immediate digital appointments with drs, nurses, pharmacists, mental health practitioners etc.), prescriptions issued immediately and posted direct etc. Tried our local GP at Bampton and they were very nice, but it was impossible - can’t book appointments online (have to sit on telephone hold for hours to get to the one receptionist), takes weeks to get an appointment and you can’t actually book a time either, it’s just “the dr will call you next week”. Have to collect prescriptions in person etc. I’m sure there must be surgeries with more modern systems. Very grateful for any advice about good ones? More than happy to travel a bit further. Thanks so much in advance!

The vast majority of GP practices are only able to accept new patients who live within their catchment. First find out which practices you are in the catchment of, then select from that choice.
When I moved I was not able to remain with my lifelong GP, much to my sadness

Thanks, I did look at that but there are more than 30 which come up for our postcode when I search on NHS.com, so hard to know which are any good without recommendations. It’s so sad that there are such disparities. I feel so spoiled having had GP at Hand but if you’re not London or Birmingham you can’t get it.

Have you tried the white horse medical practice in Faringdon? They have massively expanded but use engage consultabt - you definitely get same day service.

You really would need to contact each practice to find out if they are firstly taking in new patients and secondly if you’re in their catchment. Just because they come up as being in your locality doesn’t mean they’ll take you on.

@cameocat thanks I will!

I think Bampton may be your only choice, I have a chronic illness and they are very good but they withdrew their online booking when Covid hit. I'm hoping it'll be back before long.

You could have a look at Burford or Broadshires but you might be out of the boundary line. I know you won't be able to register at any Witney practices because they lost one surgery a few years ago and just don't have the room.

@CrystalCorsage that’s so helpful, thank you. I’m sorry to hear you also have that to deal with in your life. It really sucks. Hope you’re ok.

Broadshires in Carterton? You can book online, and if it's genuinely urgent they will get you in on the day if you ring at 8am, and there are several decent doctors there. However you do have to wait weeks if you book online, and I don't think you have a hope in hell of finding anywhere that will give you the service you've had before.. it just doesn't exist here!

Having said that, my DD2 has just (9 days ago) given birth at the JR, and she has Ehlers Danlos Sydrome, many medications and needs and her care was excellent with both the local midwives and the consultants at the JR. (She also had a very difficult birth and baby had to be in NICU for a week, ventilated and tube fed and honestly they were fantastic)

Welcome to West Oxfordshire.. I've been here 20 years now and it's not a bad place to live (if you ignore all the inbreeding jokes about Bampton....)!!!!