Nuffield Health North Staffordshire Hospital

"Had a recent referral to dr Hughes (ENT consultant) shocking experience. His secretary never returned emails or replied to telephone messages left on her answer phone machine. I had to make a complaint for anything to be done. Finally got a telephone follow up. Only to hear nothing for weeks on end before having to contact them again. Whole experience really poor!"

"I should have read the reviews prior to even attempting to book an ECG. I sent an email requesting an appointment the evening of December 5. I received an email response on December 6 requesting my referral letter. I sent the referral letter back the same day. I called on December 7th. Yes we have your referral someone will get back to make the appointment. No one called. I called back again that afternoon. We need to find out the cost of the procedure someone will get back to you. I called again yesterday. Yes we know you trying to make an appointment someone will get back with you. I asked if they were to busy could they please refer me to another clinic who is capable of doing the ECG, the woman responded no someone will call you to schedule today, that was yesterday December 8. I called again just now, and was put on hold. I just followed up with an email. This is a comment only on the ability to make an appointment. It should not take 4 days to do so when a referral was provided. There system is broken and they could use training on how to assist people."

"Went to 2 separate consultations. Doctors not very friendly. The cost of the treatments is double compared with other clinics. (been another, same procedure, half the price). Communication is terrible, don't expect anyone to answer the phone when you ring, I tried several times. The consultants secretary never answer either. Ended up emailing to say I no longer required the surgery, they then called me for a pre op assessment, told them again. A few days later had another call saying I had missed my appointment. By this point already had the surgery elsewhere. I would not recommend Nuffield at all, just out to get money while dragging their feet."

"Been waiting over 8 weeks for a surgery date after being told I would hear within 2 weeks. Impossible to get hold of secretaries, no phone number available just email. Email goes unanswered. Trying to get through to anyone on the phone is very hit and miss. Very disappointed, for private treatment the lack of contact is terrible. The doctors and nurses are fabulous however, it’s the administration that’s bad. A simple response to emails apologising for the delay, even if they can’t supply a date, wouldn’t go amiss."

"I don’t know what is happening at this hospital but the administration is appalling. I was asked to do a PCR test in one of their smelly toilets. When I asked for somewhere else, I was directed to another toilet. I received no paperwork before my procedure and hadn’t received anything until 3 weeks later. That’s after making a formal complaint. I’ve not had any results so I’ve now bypassed the Nuffield and gone straight to the consultants secretary, who has been absolutely brilliant. I would seriously consider going to another private hospital even it is further to travel."