HealthHarmonie - Birmingham

Zoe B.

I was referred by GP to Health Harmonie for a lesion on my face.

The first appointment was for a consultation. Received the appointment in the post, I re-arranged by phone for a more suitable time and the appointment went well. I was informed at the consultation that I would received a letter in 2 weeks for surgery.

After a lengthy wait, I did not receive a letter so called Health Harmonie. They arranged a surgery appointment over the phone - making me question whether they ever did send a letter out?

Attended the surgery appointment which was made for a Saturday (really pleased they offer Saturday appointments as this means no time off work). The surgeon was fantastic - he was very honest about the scaring that may occur if he carried out the procedure and invited a second opinion from the consultant. They put my mind at ease that the lesion was nothing to be concern about and that having the surgery would be of no benefit. The ultimate decision was left in my hands and I felt equipped with the knowledge to make the right choice.

This would have been a 5 star review had it not have been for the following;
• the lengthy wait for the phone calls to be answered.
• the lack of local knowledge of call handlers when selecting suitable appointment locations.
• the lack of communication following the initial consultation - if I was made aware that I would need to call to arrange an appointment, I would have done this soon.

Ashley E.

Appalling service. They refuse to book next appointments when you're seen and insist you'll get a letter in the post. That never arrives. They DON'T book you in. You have to ring the number and sit on hold for at least an hour. The waiting times are horrendous. And the service once you get through to someone is often abysmal. I've had them hang up on me for my tone, even when I've explained I'm autistic, not rude, I can't help my tone. Ableism is rife. Every 3 months I have to endure this. Hours of being on hold to then be berated by some appalling ableist advisor. Raising a complaint leads to nothing. If you are neurodivergent, please be aware that the hold music will make you ill, it is high pitched and repetitive; they will speak to you like something under their shoe and hang up even if you beg them to simply book your appointment; you will have to be able to also remember when your next appointment should be, to then ring in advance to get anything close to when it should be, if you don't it means there's a chance that, if you are on medication, you will have gaps because the GP can't prescribe it without HH's permission. BAD BAD BAD

Today's advisor was at least decent, polite, didn't tell me off for my tone and sorted me an appointment, but it will mean a big gap in my meds. They need more staff. And less overwhelming services so we don't go without our medications because of wait times.

Sarah T.

I've done 1 star for the answering speed when trying to call. I'm getting very concerned for my mother after reading these reviews. My mother had to wait weeks for an appointment and was told she would receive a letter confirming everything and obviously this did not arrive. I had to call and confirm the Friday before. Have been on hold now for over an hour trying to establish when she will be having her carcinoma removed and now we were offered 2 days time! As she needs some preparation we are now booked in. Ask about her taking blood thinners and was told to listen to the message after. This only tells you arrive 5 minutes before and eat and drink 1 hour before. At what point should she stop taking blood thinners. This organisation seems VERY UNPROFESSIONAL and should be able to answer questions regarding having a procedure and when to stop taking medication.

Hannah B.

Booked in for a hysteroscopy, biopsy and mirena coil insertion. I was extremely nervous as I have some trauma due to SA. Dr Annappa, Nurse Carla, and Zafiena and Helen were amazing. Everything was fully explained twice, I was told that I could halt the procedure at any point if I wasn't comfortable. It was all done before I had time to focus on what was happening. The lady who held my hand throughout(I'm so sorry, I didn't catch your name) was amazing. She chatted to me to take my mind off what was happening, and I can't thank her enough. Thank you ladies

Dawn C.

I had a follow up gynecology appointment at new cross to have a polyp removed, I'd previously had an exploratory hysteroscopy 4 weeks before through nhs and staff were lovely, put me at ease, doctor checking I was ok throughout the procedure. It was a whole different experience this weekend, on arriving for my appointment I was told I wasn't even on the list even though my appointment had been changed at the last minute which wasn't particularly convenient for me as my partner had already booked the day off to come with me he had to change it again with work. The doctor I spoke with before having the procedure didn't have my details or know what I was having done, she was about to repeat what I'd already had done 4 weeks previously. She wasn't particularly friendly ( perhaps because I was an extra one ) who knows, but all I can say was it wasn't a pleasant experience, she didn't ask if I was ok throughout the procedure, the 2 nurse beside me were lovely though, it was painful and im not a baby ive had 5 children and can withstand pain . I was quite shaken afterwards and the one nurse helped clean me up, I went home and slept for 14 hrs and thought out most of the next day, I feel like the whole experience put me into some kind of shock, 48hrs later im just starting to feel a bit more like me , still in alot of pain, I dont normally leave reviews but I don't think showing a little bit of compassion costs anything

Alex P.

I'll detail my history and experience with Health Harmonies: 3-ish years ago I needed a ultrasound and was actually seen promptly. Upon walking into the room is was clear that the paper on the bed hadn't been changed from the previous patient, and was still wet, which I had to ask to be done. Not a great start and apparently the ultrasound wasn't of high quality according to my GP.
Moving forward I've had a dermatology referral which took a significant amount of time to be seen. When I was seen a dual punch biopsy was scheduled for several weeks away.
When I attended this, feeling quite vulnerable given the unpleasant nature of the procedure, the consultant had a support worker that was more interest in exercising their grievances about psychology (my field of work, in the NHS) whilst I was laid on the bed. This is not professional in my book and wasn't challenged remotely by a consult that also hadn't asked if I was comfortable with a trainee medic being in the room for the procedure (something pretty standard in the NHS).
Following the results of the dual punch biopsy the consultant didn't agree with the findings and didn't really seem to have a clue why he disagreed? He also seemed more interested in garnering a psychology placement for someone than my health. He then referred for an NHS second opinion on my skin issue and for bloods via HH which he suggested would take 4-6 weeks, which I responded "I'll go to my GP, it'll get done next week", which he declined and said it would be better to go with HH.
I received the appointment for the NHS second opinion a few weeks later.
After six week of no contact from HH, I rang them up and was told that yes I was supposed to have them but nothing had been actioned - no apology - I then booked blood test as recommended, which was going to be in six weeks time and requiring me to travel an hour to the HH cabin (it's just a cabin in Penkridge, my shed looks more welcoming). This means it took 12 weeks just to book a blood test. It's been two weeks since that test now and I've heard nothing. GP's please stop using this company. I don't want to be seen in a shed!!
I will be making a PALS complaint about the service and urge the majority of the recent reviewers to do the same
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/what-is-pals-patient-advice-and-liaison-service/
I've also just re-read some of the other complaints on here and would recommend individuals start to look at the GMC complaints procedure against medics. This is just shabby.

Siân R.

I was a little wary beforehand after reading the reviews but I needn’t have been. The gynae team were just lovely; professional, efficient and gentle. Thank you.

jill G.

I had suspected melanoma and was fast tracked via Health Harmonie. They were quick and efficient. I dealt with Dr Bede who is a Consultant Dermatologist who was excellent, patient and listened. The administration staff who arranged appointments and took my calls (Abdul Aziz) were also very patient, understanding and easy to deal with. Glad to say the result was that I do not have cancer.
Thank you