49 Marine Avenue Surgery

Helpful staff made all the difference

Excellent service, couldn't ask for more helpful support.

Easy to get appointments when you need them

I rarely leave reviews, but given how challenging it currently is for many people to secure appointments and access medical care, I felt compelled to praise this practice. Whenever I've required an appointment or medical guidance, I've experienced no difficulties whatsoever. Even on occasions when I've called later in the day with unwell children, the team has consistently been able to accommodate me. The entire staff have consistently demonstrated kindness and courtesy throughout my interactions.

Long-term patient feels genuinely well looked after

I have been a patient at this practice for over 15 years and have consistently found the clinical staff to be professional, helpful and easy to communicate with. The standard of care I have experienced throughout my time here has been excellent, and I feel my health needs are well supported.

Long-term practice with approachable and professional staff

I don't agree with all the critical comments. This practice has been my healthcare provider for nearly four decades, and throughout that time—from initial appointments through to consultations with various clinical staff—I've consistently experienced professionalism and approachability. It's understandable that we all have concerns about our own health and wellbeing. However, the team here manages the needs of many patients. I'd encourage people to be respectful and considerate towards those working to provide care. I wish everyone at the practice a positive year ahead with fewer challenges. Best wishes to you all x

Friendly reception and straightforward booking process

I have never experienced any difficulties with making appointments or attending consultations. I have been a patient at this surgery for the entirety of my life, which demonstrates my confidence in the practice. The front desk team are consistently courteous and welcoming.

Receptionist made the whole experience pleasant

I haven't needed to visit in quite some time, but when I called today, the receptionist was exceptionally pleasant and genuinely helpful, making the interaction enjoyable. A clinician rang me shortly afterwards to gather some information and arranged an appointment for me. When I attended, the doctor proved to be very approachable and supportive, taking the time to explain matters clearly and helping me feel at ease during the visit.

Phone system keeps cutting you off

I have been attempting to contact the practice or obtain a repeat medication for over an hour and a half. The automated system answers the call, but selecting the available options results in being disconnected. After multiple attempts, I have still been unable to reach anyone.

Impossible to book appointments with available GPs

Accessing appointments at this practice is quite challenging unless you are willing to see a nurse. The clinical staff members are generally of a high standard, though there has been one individual whose approach did not suit my needs. However, the main issue remains the difficulty in securing timely appointments. Following a nurse consultation, I was advised to request an appointment with a female clinician where feasible, yet I have not been able to arrange this over the last couple of months. I have only managed to obtain an appointment by attending an out of hours service at an alternative health centre. My family relocated to this area some time ago, and we are now considering transferring to a different practice. Over the past two years, there has been a noticeable decline in the availability of GP appointments, which appears to coincide with changes in the practice's patient capacity and management structure. When I recently attempted to book an appointment for my child who was experiencing significant ear discomfort, I was directed to attend a walk-in centre instead of being offered an appointment at the practice.

Phone staff unfriendly and appointment waits too long

After nearly four decades as a patient at this practice, and having registered my spouse and child with them as well, we have all decided to move elsewhere. The service was once welcoming and dependable, but over the past year and a half there has been a significant decline. I have not witnessed such a deterioration in any service I use. This decision is not based on a single negative encounter, but rather reflects the cumulative experience of myself, my spouse, my child, my parents, and my sibling throughout this period. I felt I had no alternative but to seek care at another practice. The main concerns are as follows: booking a routine appointment takes considerably longer than it should. There is limited continuity of care with the same healthcare provider. The telephone manner of staff has become less welcoming, and there appears to be a general lack of engagement. While many of the clinicians appear committed to their work, there are some whose approach does not inspire confidence, and patients tend to avoid scheduling with them. It is unfortunate that the practice has experienced such a noticeable decline in standards. I suspect this may be linked to the practice expanding its patient numbers, possibly for financial reasons, which may have stretched their capacity beyond what they can effectively manage.

Felt genuinely welcomed and well looked after

The practice maintains a welcoming and friendly environment, with the clinical team members providing particularly attentive and supportive care.

Long wait on phone then got cut off

I have now been waiting on hold for an extended period with an urgent matter pending, and the call has been disconnected, which is very disappointing.

Phone queues never answered on time

We have decided to switch to a different practice as the phone lines are frequently difficult to reach. The reception team appears to provide only basic assistance and doesn't go the extra mile when patients require additional support. The service was notably better previously, and we have noticed that several healthcare professionals have moved on from the practice.

Friendly reception made the visit pleasant

Excellent medical facility

Fast appointments and reliable prescriptions

The practice offers prompt appointment availability, with dependable reception staff and clinicians who maintain professional standards. Medication requests are consistently fulfilled within expected timeframes.

Prescription sent quickly for holiday illness

I appreciate the surgery's assistance in arranging for my prescription to be sent to a pharmacy in a nearby town through the electronic prescription service while I was away dealing with a temporary health issue.