Birmingham Midland Eye Centre (BMEC) - Ratings and reviews
Reviews
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Review titled Actually took the time to look into the issue
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Beth - Posted on 07 May 2024
I visited on a bank holiday so was expecting to wait after a past experience at another hospital that was horrendous. In total I was there about 2.5 hours which may sound long but I was with one consultant for about an hour as she was actually trying to figure out what was causing the issue. The last hospital didn’t bother and the issue has come back within a couple of months. The fact that time was taken to look into the issue and second opinions were given while I was there was great. I do have to go back again to have the progress checked but I don’t actually mind because they are actually helping me and not just treating the issue but figuring out the cause as well.
Visited May 2024
Birmingham Midland Eye Centre (BMEC) has not yet replied.
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Review titled Fantastic
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Elisabeth - Posted on 02 May 2024
I attended the emergency department. Was seen quickly. All staff efficient and kind. Follow up appointment 2 weeks later took approximately 1 hour. I couldn’t fault the staff or the treatment I received. Thank you
Visited May 2024
Birmingham Midland Eye Centre (BMEC) has not yet replied.
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Review titled 8 hour wait
Rated 1 star out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 28 April 2024
My wife had an eye infection - optician gave urgent referral to eye hospital. We arrived at 3pm. We waited patiently with our 1 year old child. By around 6pm, we were still waiting to be seen. Some members of staff said it wouldn't take long but others said we were way down the list. My wife got to see the doctor at 11pm after an 8 hour wait which was very difficult given the stress of her situation and also the baby kept crying. The communication in terms of updates was poor. I was told this is an A&E department so there was no way to tell how long it would take. They didn't give us any indication so what I expected would be a few hour wait was in fact 8 hour wait. I explained to the doctor who said he is overworked, not slept for two nights and doing 40 hours. During the appointment, doctor had to leave for an emergency and that took 30 mins. We left the hospital at 11:30pm pharmacies were closed so could not get the prescribed eye drops till the next day. I felt traumatised by the long wait - it caused us a lot of stress even in the days following it. If this is the state of the NHS, it is deeply concerning.
Visited April 2024
Birmingham Midland Eye Centre (BMEC) has not yet replied.
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Review titled No Answer
Rated 1 star out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 12 March 2024
I have been referred three weeks ago for a macular hole from my hospital, since then, I have had nothing but trouble trying to even get hold of anyone to find out what is going on. Whenever you try to get through to the referrals it just rings out, nobody answers the phone! You phone the general number, they put you through to referrals. Cannot get anything from this place at all.
Visited March 2024
Birmingham Midland Eye Centre (BMEC) has not yet replied.
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Review titled Brilliant service
Rated 4 stars out of 5
by Kathleen Southern - Posted on 05 March 2024
After my initial appointment, I decided to go ahead with detached retina op,which I was I stand by for,which I accepted but was cancelled due to an emergency,that was 28th, have tried to contact to see when op may be done, but no one answering phone,
Visited February 2024
Birmingham Midland Eye Centre (BMEC) has not yet replied.
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Review titled Not accessible within premises opening hours
Rated 1 star out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 28 January 2024
As of writing this review I’ve been in the telephone hold queue for the triage nurse to be able to access the service for a same day emergency for 3 hours and 54 minutes. The line still has not been answered. At least two hours of that I’ve been number 1 in the queue. The service states it can’t be walked into and must be accessed via phoning or by optician/GP referral and given it’s a Sunday I had no choice but to phone. Horrendous lack of access to the only eye service for dozens of miles around, what do we pay such high rates of taxes for.
Visited January 2024
Birmingham Midland Eye Centre (BMEC) has not yet replied.
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Review titled Appointment problem
Rated 4 stars out of 5
by Tracey - Posted on 11 January 2024
After seeing the consultant and when I arrived home I received a call to arrange an appointment for an injection. This was arranged for Tuesday 9th Jan. I did not receive a letter confirming this so I rang on the 4th Jan and was put through to the ward who told me I was due in that day which was the 4th Jan. I pointed out that I was told my appointment was the 9th Jan. The person said she would let the front desk know. When I arrived on the 9th Jan the front desk said I was due in yesterday. I was upset but the front desk were very good and someone came out to me and managed to get me in that day to have my injection. They also managed to alter my next appointment around my holiday return date. I was very grateful for that. Although I have no complaints about how I was treated. The appointment system needs some attention. I was given my next appointment dates which have been altered from the 5th Feb to the 6th February at 8.30. The following one will be on the 8th March at 11.15. I have a confirmation letter for the March appointment but not the February one. Hopefully I will receive a confirmation of the february appointment on the 6th as I really dont want the same thing to happen again. Other than the mix up with my appointment I was very pleased with my care and grateful to the front desk staff for reorganising things.
Visited January 2024
Review titled Birmingham Midland Eye Centre (BMEC)
Replied on 22 January 2024
Dear Tracey, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I apologise for the confusion caused around your appointment and will ensure your feedback is passed onto the team at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre so they can investigate improvements to current practice. I am pleased you received good care and the reception team accommodated you when you arrived for your appointment. Kind regards, Richard Beeken, Chief Executive
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Review titled Poor
Rated 2 stars out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 27 January 2024
I visited my own GP who advised me to go to Birmingham Eye hospital and not to drive. When I arrived I stood in line for 15 minutes I booked in a sign on reception stated up to 4+ hours waiting time. I was assessed after 40 minutes Nurse stated she had booked me in for an appointment at 5pm but to come back at 4:30 2.5hrs I had to wait at hospital for appointment due to not living in the area. On booking in at reception 4:20 I was told to wait in allocated area. At 6pm I asked how long before I would be seen as people who had just arrived were seen and also people that were behind me in the queue at 1pm who were seen before me the health care told me “oh we’re busy it won’t be long” at 7pm I again asked I explained that I do not live in the area and would like a rough estimate of being seen due to having to ensure I can get home on public transport the nurse shrugged her shoulders and pulled a face without responding giving me the impression she did not care at 8pm I decided to leave I had waited 7hrs and was met with a nurse who I felt had a poor and uncaring attitude it took me 2.5 hours to get home
Visited January 2024
Birmingham Midland Eye Centre (BMEC) has not yet replied.
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Review titled Poor Communcation and Telephone Line
Rated 2 stars out of 5
by Natasha - Posted on 27 December 2023
I received an appointment letter and needed to change the date and time. The appointment letter has The Trusts’ universal Contact Centre phone number on, but they don’t handle appointments for the Eye Centre. Then called the Uveitis Booking Team but it turns out my particular Consultant’s appointments can only be booked via his secretary on her direct landline. As she was on holiday, I was unable to do anything about this appointment, and no other secretary could help. Also never receive appointment letters or able to get through on the phone. A shame because the care provided by staff is outstanding but let down by the phone service. If The Trusts Contact Centre cannot book appointments for BMEC then a team of operators/call handlers should be set up with one generic phone number as opposed to individual consultants having different phone numbers.
Visited December 2023
Review titled Birmingham Midland Eye Centre (BMEC)
Replied on 22 January 2024
Dear Natasha, thank you for sharing your feedback regarding contacting the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre (BMEC). There is a central number for BMEC which is 0121 507 4440. The call handlers will be able to direct your call to the correct department/person you wish to speak to. I am sorry that this information was not included on your letter. I will ensure your feedback is passed onto the service so that the central number can be included in future. Kind regards, Richard Beeken
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Review titled Excellent practice
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Andrew Harwood - Posted on 18 November 2023
I would just like to say a massive thank you to every member of staff that has Helped me on my long journey of retinal detachment, right from a&e, the wards on floor one in Sheldon block and the surgery team,and anyone else who works for the NHS, such kind and caring people which made me feel so relaxed and comfortable, thank you, thank you and thank you 🙏 💗
Visited November 2023
Review titled Birmingham Midland Eye Centre (BMEC)
Replied on 21 November 2023
Dear Andrew, We are so pleased to read your positive feedback following your recent visit to Birmingham Midland Eye Centre and on Sheldon Block, City Hospital. We will let the teams involved know of your recent experience and wish you a speedy recovery. Kind regards, The Communications Team.