I'm not the type of person to like going to the doctors very much. I guess it's being from America, it's entrenched within me to avoid the doctor whenever possible. However, when a mysterious swelling and itchiness started showing up on my legs and feet (no bug bites, didn't resemble an allergic reaction either) I decided to forgo my stubbornness and head over to a walk-in session:
(Walk-Ins are available from 9 to 11 every morning, but I recommend getting in before 8:30 opening time to register your name early to avoid longer queues)
I met with Dr Simon Braybrook so this review is primarily for him. 1 star off because I haven't had much experience with any other doctor to know if the experience I have is consistent throughout the practice (but will be happy to update my review if I find this to be the case).
Dr Braybrook was VERY good
+ He walked me through all of his thought process so I understood what was going on instead of just blindly following instruction (that I just can't do! My nerves won't be able to handle it).
( ie: He thought the simplest solution would be that it's a possible bacterial infection such as cellulitis so prescribed me antibiotics but said that if it hasn't gotten any better or returns then he wants a blood test to test for auto-immune. It wasn't just a "ok here's some antibiotics off you go", I felt involved in my own diagnosis and treatment! )
+ He answers all questions, no matter how silly they might sound. And he answers them fully - this is probably why during my first appointment with him, he was training medical students! He's really great at explaining the entire process.
+ He took me seriously. I have a family history of lupus so even though I don't experience any of the major symptoms, the fear or auto-immune is always at the back of my mind. I've heard about a lot of doctors who brush off these worries because of the slim likelihood but he definitely seemed to understand where I was coming from with my fears.
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They also have a conjoining pharmacy that handles all your prescriptions.
Overall, I leave Butetown Medical Practice feeling very informed about my health and the thought of "going to the doctor" isn't such a bad thing after all. If you've just moved into the area and you're in need of a clinic, I highly recommend requesting Dr Braybrook - a great practitioner! read more