Feedback reveals a deeply polarised experience at this practice, with significant challenges in appointment access and reception experience alongside pockets of strong clinical care. The most consistent concern across reviews is appointment availability, with patients reporting long phone wait times, capacity restrictions, and difficulty securing timely consultations through both telephone and online booking systems. Reception experience emerges as a major issue, with multiple accounts of staff displaying discourtesy, impatience, and lack of compassion during patient interactions. Communication breakdowns are frequently cited, including delayed responses to medical requests, missed prescription follow-ups, and unclear information about appointment processes.
Positive feedback centres on clinical quality, with patients consistently praising doctors for professionalism, thoroughness, and genuine care. The practice environment is noted as clean and well-maintained, and several patients highlight efficient online booking systems and prompt callback services when contact is successfully made. Pharmacy staff receive particular praise for their supportive approach. However, these strengths are substantially undermined by systemic access issues that prevent many patients from reaching care in the first place.
The practice appears to struggle with capacity management and operational organisation. Patients report inflexible booking procedures, restricted phone line availability, and systems that disadvantage those unable to access digital platforms or call at specific times. While some patients report positive recent experiences, the volume and consistency of complaints about appointment access, reception courtesy, and responsiveness suggest these remain significant barriers to patient experience across the service.
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Claim & Manage ProfileShows how often this practice responds to patient reviews and feedback.
Feedback reveals a deeply polarised experience at this practice, with significant challenges in appointment access and reception experience alongside pockets of strong clinical care. The most consistent concern across reviews is appointment availability, with patients reporting long phone wait times, capacity restrictions, and difficulty securing timely consultations through both telephone and online booking systems. Reception experience emerges as a major issue, with multiple accounts of staff displaying discourtesy, impatience, and lack of compassion during patient interactions. Communication breakdowns are frequently cited, including delayed responses to medical requests, missed prescription follow-ups, and unclear information about appointment processes.
Positive feedback centres on clinical quality, with patients consistently praising doctors for professionalism, thoroughness, and genuine care. The practice environment is noted as clean and well-maintained, and several patients highlight efficient online booking systems and prompt callback services when contact is successfully made. Pharmacy staff receive particular praise for their supportive approach. However, these strengths are substantially undermined by systemic access issues that prevent many patients from reaching care in the first place.
The practice appears to struggle with capacity management and operational organisation. Patients report inflexible booking procedures, restricted phone line availability, and systems that disadvantage those unable to access digital platforms or call at specific times. While some patients report positive recent experiences, the volume and consistency of complaints about appointment access, reception courtesy, and responsiveness suggest these remain significant barriers to patient experience across the service.
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Reception
Cleanliness
Care
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Seen on time
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Pavlina A.
3 years ago
Bad!
Prescription chaos left me feeling unsafe
Following the pandemic, it seems they're struggling with staffing, but ultimately, patient care and safety are compromised. I was anticipating a prescription for a 4-week injection regimen. My obstetrician forwarded a letter to my GP, the midwife requested the prescription twice, and today—the first day I need the injections—I'm left scrambling to understand how I'll even begin my treatment. Similar communication breakdowns have occurred with other prescriptions and tests throughout my pregnancy. I'm seriously considering switching to another medical facility because I no longer feel secure receiving care here. Their service quality is so poor it could potentially endanger patients. They urgently need to address these systemic issues before someone suffers severe consequences from delayed or neglected medical attention.
Vaughan B.
3 years ago
Excellent!
Quick and smooth check-in process
Highly productive and meticulously structured.
Linda L.
3 years ago
Bad!
Nightmare booking a gp appointment
Attempting to schedule a consultation through the NHS application is incredibly challenging, and attempting to secure an appointment by telephone at this medical practice is even more frustrating, primarily due to the unhelpful and discourteous front desk staff.
J D.
3 years ago
Excellent!
Quick and caring medical visit
Dropped by this medical facility for the first time and was impressed by its immaculate and polished appearance. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating when I arrived, and my wait time was minimal. I was seen promptly, and the physician demonstrated extensive expertise. Even better, they scheduled my blood tests immediately! Overall, I'm thoroughly satisfied with the entire experience.
Kay K.
3 years ago
Bad!
Terrible customer service during morning call
Been attempting to contact their office for weeks, phone lines constantly engaged. Finally reached reception, who insisted I call or book at 8 am - impossible during my school drop-off routine. When I simply wanted a flexible phone consultation. She claimed she offered solutions, and when I pointed out her "options" were actually no help at all, she abruptly ended the call. Incredibly unprofessional and discourteous 🪵💩
Colin W.
3 years ago
Great!
Dr lewis was helpful but system needs work
I visited the medical practice with my older neighbors and consulted Dr. Lewis, who demonstrated remarkable professionalism, compassion, and understanding. However, it's unfortunate that her excellent care is overshadowed by an appointment system that creates significant accessibility barriers for elderly, potentially confused, and technologically challenged patients. While I recognize the need to manage limited healthcare resources, the current approach of restricting appointments to same-day bookings feels reminiscent of the chaotic boarding procedures once used by budget airlines like RyanAir, where passengers scrambled to secure seats. It seems that empowering senior reception staff with some flexibility, rather than enforcing strict, inflexible protocols, would substantially improve both patient experience and staff morale.
Pubudu D.
3 years ago
Bad!
Worst medical practice with zero appointments
I recommend Google take a closer look at this facility, as the current surgical services are deeply problematic. Getting medical attention here is virtually impossible. They've massively overbooked their patient roster, resulting in a complete absence of available appointment slots. This situation is utterly ridiculous. The entire operation seems pointless. Such issues are unfortunately recurring. The telephone staff demonstrate a profound lack of professionalism, consistently failing to provide meaningful assistance to patients seeking information or guidance.
Clive H.
3 years ago
Bad!
Frustrating call with unhelpful medical staff
The front desk staff displayed a complete lack of empathy and assistance during my call. Their triage method is entirely inappropriate for someone working in an open-plan environment, as I'm not comfortable discussing sensitive health matters within earshot of my colleagues. I was informed that no doctors were available and was instructed to call back at 8am, which would mean having a potentially private medical conversation in a public workspace. There was no clarity on when a GP might return my call, making it impossible to manage my work commitments while seeking medical attention. The entire process is so frustratingly impractical that it's no surprise people end up resorting to emergency services instead.
Jenny P.
3 years ago
Bad!
Phone team crushed my hopes and patience
The phone support staff demonstrate a severe lack of professionalism - they come across as unsympathetic, aggressive, interrupt constantly, hurry conversations, and use condescending language. It's clear they urgently require comprehensive customer service training and interpersonal skills development. When someone is already experiencing stress from health challenges, being treated with such disrespect is emotionally devastating and incredibly difficult to endure. While I recognize these employees might be working under significant pressure, this does not justify their inappropriate treatment of customers. I'm submitting a courteous message to management, strongly urging them to address the conduct of their phone team, as these interactions are substantially damaging the practice's reputation and customer experience.
Gilvray B.
3 years ago
Excellent!
Friendly doctors near my neighborhood
The medical professionals and facility here are exceptional. I strongly advise anyone to become a patient at this center. My sincere appreciation to the staff. 🙏
Kathy A.
3 years ago
Excellent!
Paramedic's home visit saved the day
I have absolutely no complaints about this medical center. I've been a patient at Alwoodley since August. The service and reception team are exceptional. I've been quite unwell these past few weeks, and today I received a home visit appointment where antibiotics were prescribed. The paramedic who visited was wonderful - completely professional, courteous, and warm. I'm truly pleased we decided to switch from our previous village medical practice. At Alwoodley Medical Centre, I feel they will go above and beyond to help me in any way possible.
Sarah S.
3 years ago
Bad!
Three hours of pure frustration
I'd rate this zero if possible - booking an appointment is impossible due to their dysfunctional app (which they flatly deny responsibility for), and after wasting 3 hours on hold, I was disconnected. Their customer service prioritizes efficiency over any semblance of helpfulness or care.
Nadeem S.
4 years ago
Bad!
No appointments when i need help
Extremely subpar customer service. Consistently impossible to contact when urgent. On the rare occasions I seek a medical consultation, calling precisely when needed yields no available slots. The front desk staff demonstrate an unpleasant demeanor, coming across as hostile and patronizing during phone interactions, and I've observed similar treatment towards patients within the clinic. Their approach lacks compassion, particularly when dealing with individuals who might be in a fragile emotional state.
Lin C.
4 years ago
Bad!
Frustrating monday morning phone call blues
First attempt: Tried calling at 8am only to be told 'the practice is now closed', immediately redialed and heard 'we've hit our maximum safe capacity for today'. Since GP appointments are strictly day-of bookings, this explanation makes zero sense. Update: I've since uncovered the reason; it appears the online triage system runs before phone lines activate, meaning by the time phone lines open, all Monday slots have already been allocated through triage. Tough break for anyone depending on telephone booking.
Douglas M.
4 years ago
Excellent!
Friendly staff made me feel safe
Spotless and contemporary establishment with compassionate staff who genuinely care about people's well-being. Face coverings are required, with accommodations for those with exemptions.
Abdula A.
4 years ago
Bad!
Worst medical center with zero care
These so-called professionals are a complete waste of time. Getting in contact with them is nearly impossible, and even if you somehow secure an appointment, they provide zero meaningful assistance Their sole focus is clearly lining their own wallets with cash The 111 service is infinitely more useful, so steer clear of this establishment I'm eagerly anticipating the day this corrupt sector gets privatized, so I can stop squandering my hard-earned tax money on such incompetent services.
Naoise W.
4 years ago
Excellent!
Quick visits and friendly staff
A truly exceptional medical practice that I've had the pleasure of being registered with. Although phone hold times can be brief, appointments are consistently prompt, and the personnel are incredibly welcoming and warm!
Ross G.
4 years ago
Great!
Friendly staff made my pharmacy visit smooth
The medical professionals were excellent and the pharmacy team was particularly friendly during my visit. My sole complaint is about the individual responsible for designing the car park's traffic layout. It's completely illogical and poorly thought out. They should focus more on practical traffic flow and less on aesthetic choices next time, right? 😁
Matt_leeds_89 M.
4 years ago
Bad!
Endless wait and rude receptionists
Absolutely dreadful! Enduring 1-2 hours in the phone queue only to be informed that appointment bookings are no longer possible. Now you're reduced to calling and having a mere 1% likelihood of securing same-day treatment. Apparently, this works fine if you're unemployed or without work. The receptionists are incredibly condescending and rude, speaking to patients as if we're something unpleasant they've accidentally stepped in. These are hands-down the most incompetent doctors I've ever encountered. After switching to another medical practice, I secured an appointment within 48 hours. My strong advice: steer clear of Alwoodley Medical Centre if you care about your health and well-being.