Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals a deeply divided patient experience at this practice. Medical staff, including doctors and nurses, consistently receive praise for professionalism, compassion, and clinical competence, with patients noting convenient scheduling and efficient service delivery. However, reception experience emerges as a significant and persistent concern, with multiple patients reporting discourteous behaviour, poor communication, and unresponsive service. Appointment access presents challenges, including long waiting times, difficulties reaching the practice by phone, and booking complications. Several patients describe hostile or dismissive reception interactions that created barriers to accessing care, while others experienced failures in communication regarding referrals and follow-up arrangements.

Patients also report inconsistency in service quality, with some describing welcoming and supportive front desk staff whilst others encountered unprofessional conduct. Issues with respect and courtesy during reception interactions appear frequently across reviews, alongside concerns about appointment availability and the responsiveness of administrative processes. A small number of patients expressed satisfaction with their overall experience, noting minimal wait times and professional conduct.

The contrast between positive clinical care and problematic reception experience suggests the practice's reputation is significantly impacted by administrative and front-desk interactions, which appear to undermine otherwise capable medical provision.

Appointment

35.67 %
Poor

Reception

28.92 %
Bad

Cleanliness

72.50 %
Great

Care

62.38 %
Average

Respect

25.18 %
Bad

Seen on time

32.14 %
Bad

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KM

Kiran M. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Rude and unprofessional customer service nightmare

Absolutely the most incompetent front desk staff I've ever encountered.

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EM

Ellen M. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Positive experience with compassionate medical professionals

It's disheartening to see numerous negative comments about this practice. Having been a patient for almost 24 months, I've experienced no issues and haven't heard of anyone feeling uneasy. The medical staff, including both physicians and front desk personnel, have consistently been warm and professional.

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JP

James P. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Great service at the dental clinic

Welcoming personnel, swift scheduling

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PP

Private P. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Nightmare surgical experience with unhelpful manager

Once more, an utterly unpleasant encounter primarily due to the discourteous behavior and continuous roadblocks created by the surgical department's manager, Mrs. Nirgude.

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EM

Edna M. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst customer service ever at medical reception

I stopped by for a straightforward registration process, but encountered an extremely unpleasant Asian woman at the front desk who displayed a hostile and dismissive attitude. Her communication was not just impolite, but also carried discriminatory undertones. Despite my repeated, courteous attempts to explain my needs, she curtly insisted that assisting with registration was beyond her responsibilities. Although the location is convenient, her unprofessional behavior makes this facility undesirable. I strongly recommend avoiding this GP and seeking alternative medical services elsewhere.

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HS

Hossam S. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible medical service that put my life at risk

I completely concur with the earlier critique. If a zero-star rating were possible, I'd select it without hesitation. I scheduled a medical consultation via telephone due to experiencing chest discomfort. Upon arrival, I was informed that my name wasn't included in the day's patient roster. Subsequently, I was told no physician was present, with only a nurse on duty who exclusively handles chest infections, not chest pain. Ultimately, the receptionist suggested I proceed directly to the hospital, bypassing the general practitioner. The level of care here is worse than what I've encountered in my home country. The entire situation is utterly absurd and unacceptable.

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MA

Maria A. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst customer service experience ever terrible attitude

I wouldn't even grant them a single star if I could. Today, I attempted to schedule an urgent consultation for my partner - something I've successfully done numerous times previously without issue - and the receptionist was incredibly discourteous. She accused me of fabricating my usual booking method, insisting I couldn't make an appointment for him and calling me dishonest when I explained he works and can't call during business hours. When my boyfriend subsequently phoned, she curtly instructed him to call back the next day and abruptly terminated the call before he could respond. Such unprofessional behavior suggests she desperately needs a lesson in basic human decency and respectful communication. Clearly, her upbringing failed to instill proper interpersonal skills. More than anger, I genuinely feel pity for someone so lacking in empathy and basic courtesy.

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CW

Carrie W. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible manager drives patients away from practice

The most unprofessional practice manager I've encountered, our interactions over time have consistently been unpleasant, and today was another prime example that ultimately led me to seek care elsewhere. Her continued employment is detrimental to the practice, and if her behavior persists, I'm certain the surgery will soon find itself completely without patients!

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MP

Maria P. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Average!

Unpredictable service with hit or miss support

Inconsistent customer service where the representatives' attitudes can vary widely. Some interactions are productive, while others may require you to end the call and attempt again later when staff might be more helpful or receptive.

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KK

Kikaru77 K. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating registration process with discriminatory undertones

I signed up on the website early in December 2023 and received an email instructing me to bring identification for registration at the medical center. I followed the instructions, allowing staff to scan my ID for their records. However, after three weeks with no response, I called and was informed that the medical center was no longer accepting new patients from December 2023. The administrative head stated they only permit 200 patient registrations per quarter and suggested I try again in April. Then, she abruptly changed her stance, claiming I was not within their service area. If patient registration is already full, why does their website remain open? Why send an email inviting me to register? They offered no apology for this confusing and unprofessional interaction. I can't help but wonder if my ethnicity played a role in their last-minute rejection. The entire experience feels discriminatory and leaves me questioning their integrity.

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ZU

Zayn U. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Stellar clinicians trapped with a terrible practice manager

The medical professionals here are exceptional, but the practice manager/receptionist is an unbearable narcissist. Interacting with her is an exercise in enduring pure disrespect, insensitivity, and navigating an impenetrable wall of self-importance. It's almost absurd how one must psychologically prepare for any interaction with her, bracing for the inevitable unpleasantness. Her complete disregard for patient care speaks volumes, highlighting a singular focus on monetary gain from medical services. Were it not for the outstanding clinicians and the probable limited patient volume resulting from her repulsive demeanor and toxic personality, I would have long since sought out a more professional practice.

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GA

Gregory A. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate care that truly made a difference

Dr. Thompson was incredibly attentive, taking the time to understand my concerns and provide compassionate guidance during our consultation.

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VF

Velingson F. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Rude receptionist ruins an otherwise great medical experience

The medical staff are incredibly compassionate, but the receptionist is absolutely terrible. I've never encountered such an unprofessional front desk employee - an older woman who is incredibly harsh and disheartening. She treats patients with complete disrespect. Simply because I momentarily forgot my mask, she forced me to return home and retrieve one, despite being fully aware that I was unwell. Moreover, she had an entire box of masks but was heartlessly unwilling to offer me one. When I politely requested a mask from her supply, she responded in an extremely rude manner, claiming they were exclusively for her colleagues. This woman clearly lacks any understanding of basic human empathy and kindness.

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AT

Andréanne T. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Great!

Fantastic healthcare with convenient and caring doctor

I experienced excellent consultations with the physician, both face-to-face and via phone calls. Scheduling a visit was convenient and straightforward whenever I required medical attention.

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CW

Cloud W. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible first impression at medical practice

Egotistical, Discourteous Practice Manager Being new to the area, we arrived early for our family's initial patient appointment. We were left waiting outside for a full 10 minutes and were only allowed entry 5 minutes after my husband's scheduled time. At that point, the staff began asserting they would not see him. Mrs. Nigude displayed an extremely unpleasant demeanor and persistently argued against treating either of us. When confronted with documentation, she begrudgingly relented but maintained her hostile attitude throughout the entire appointment. Her behavior has seriously made me question my choice to register with this practice.

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GS

Giuseppe S. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible receptionist ruins excellent medical practice experience

The physician demonstrates exceptional expertise and compassion, yet the front desk staff is a complete disappointment. The receptionist was incredibly discourteous during our phone conversation, completely disregarding the critical nature of my concern and seeming eager to terminate the call as quickly as possible.

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SF

Sg F. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and complete communication breakdown

I reached out initially with health worries and was assured I'd be directed to the hospital, but after three months, absolutely nothing happened. When I followed up to inquire about the status, I was simply informed there's a waiting list. After waiting an additional two weeks and calling again, I was suddenly told I must personally schedule my hospital appointment. I'm incredibly frustrated by the deceptive communication, and to make matters worse, their reception staff haven't even documented any of my previous phone conversations, yet they had the nerve to contact me about completing a hospital referral form. Truly the most disappointing service experience.

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BG

Bimisan G. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Great doctors, terrible front desk nightmare

The medical staff, including the doctor and nurses, are excellent. However, the reception area is a nightmare, with one particular employee being incredibly discourteous and unprofessional. When I called as a new patient seeking an appointment, I experienced the most unpleasant interaction with the receptionist. Her behavior was extremely offensive and inappropriate. This treatment is completely unacceptable. To make matters worse, I was only able to secure a doctor's appointment five days later, all because of this unbearably rude woman, identified as Mrs. Nigude.

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DO

Donna O. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful interpreter made complex process clear

Highly professional booking experience. The interpreter was diligent in ensuring clear communication about the plan and proactively sent a link for me to upload images of the situation for their review. They kept me well-informed about the upcoming treatment process.

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TS

Tasha S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible first impression at this medical practice

I reached out to schedule an initial consultation as a fresh patient requiring medication refill, and my interaction with the front desk staff was incredibly frustrating. The receptionist's demeanor was hostile and dismissive, showing no empathy towards my medical needs.

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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 0118 9573752
  • Abbey Medical Centre 41 Russell Street Reading Berkshire RG1 7XD

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals a deeply divided patient experience at this practice. Medical staff, including doctors and nurses, consistently receive praise for professionalism, compassion, and clinical competence, with patients noting convenient scheduling and efficient service delivery. However, reception experience emerges as a significant and persistent concern, with multiple patients reporting discourteous behaviour, poor communication, and unresponsive service. Appointment access presents challenges, including long waiting times, difficulties reaching the practice by phone, and booking complications. Several patients describe hostile or dismissive reception interactions that created barriers to accessing care, while others experienced failures in communication regarding referrals and follow-up arrangements.

Patients also report inconsistency in service quality, with some describing welcoming and supportive front desk staff whilst others encountered unprofessional conduct. Issues with respect and courtesy during reception interactions appear frequently across reviews, alongside concerns about appointment availability and the responsiveness of administrative processes. A small number of patients expressed satisfaction with their overall experience, noting minimal wait times and professional conduct.

The contrast between positive clinical care and problematic reception experience suggests the practice's reputation is significantly impacted by administrative and front-desk interactions, which appear to undermine otherwise capable medical provision.

Appointment

35.67 %
Poor

Reception

28.92 %
Bad

Cleanliness

72.50 %
Great

Care

62.38 %
Average

Respect

25.18 %
Bad

Seen on time

32.14 %
Bad
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