Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback for this practice reflects a deeply mixed experience with significant variation depending on which staff member is encountered. Positive interactions centre on professional medical expertise, compassionate nursing care, and courteous reception staff who demonstrate genuine helpfulness and warmth. Several patients report long-term satisfaction with continuity of care and responsive communication. However, negative feedback reveals persistent systemic issues affecting appointment access and booking experience. Patients describe difficulty securing timely consultations, with reception staff sometimes displaying dismissive attitudes and providing inconsistent information about availability. Communication failures are evident in delayed test results, missed referrals, and inadequate follow-up on hospital recommendations.

Care quality appears inconsistent across the practice, with some physicians receiving consistent praise for attentiveness and empathy while others are described as rushed, impatient, or dismissive of patient concerns. Waiting experiences vary significantly, from reasonable waits to extended delays on phone lines. Concerns about respect and courtesy emerge in multiple reviews, particularly regarding how reception staff handle patient inquiries and how some medical professionals respond to patients with complex or ongoing health needs. The practice's appointment system, relying heavily on same-day phone booking, creates barriers for patients unable to call during morning hours, raising accessibility concerns.

Appointment

41.52 %
Poor

Reception

42.18 %
Poor

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

46.75 %
Poor

Respect

43.28 %
Poor

Seen on time

44.65 %
Poor

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RL

R L. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Doctors failed me at this local clinic

Some physicians dismiss patients who aren't their usual clients, display negligence in medical care, and are reluctant to issue sick leave certificates, treating patients with suspicion. They maintain a rigid approach towards patients while being lenient with themselves, and struggle with accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Their medical expertise and professional standards clearly require significant enhancement. Surgical procedures in Cambridge offer notably superior alternatives.

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RT

Ravinder T. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Rude nurse ruined my blood test day

I've had positive interactions before, but my blood test appointment on September 30th was a completely different story. I was utterly appalled by the unprofessional conduct of the nurse named Trish. Her demeanor was extremely hostile and she treated me with utter disrespect. All of this negativity stemmed from my arriving 5 minutes late, for which I immediately offered an apology. I sincerely hope the management at Arbury Road Surgery will address this unacceptable behavior and ensure such mistreatment does not occur in the future.

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LR

Lucy R. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Nightmare experience at local clinic

An absolutely terrible medical practice with the most unhelpful and discourteous staff I've ever encountered in Cambridge. Their complete lack of professionalism and basic customer service is astounding.

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LI

Lemonade I. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly nurses make checkup a breeze

Always had a smooth experience at Arbury GP. The nursing staff are delightful 😊

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JL

Jean L. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Endless wait for urgent doctor callback

Been on hold for 3 hours waiting for a return call... This might not seem critical to the medical staff, but for the patient, every moment feels significant and stressful. Still no communication, still waiting.

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KK

Kenny K. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Staff went above and beyond today

As per usual, the service was prompt and enlightening. Despite the challenges posed by administrative red tape, political pressures, and performance metrics that complicate work for NHS and healthcare staff, the practice remains commendable. Most healthcare professionals aren't seeking praise, likely because their primary focus is patient care rather than meaningless performance indicators. If you've had a positive encounter, it's a thoughtful act to acknowledge it in a review. Typically, people are more inclined to share negative experiences than to highlight positive ones.

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JP

Jorj P. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Rude doctor made my mental health worse

THE ABSOLUTE WORST MEDICAL PRACTICE!!! STEER CLEAR AND AVOID REGISTERING, YOU'LL DEEPLY REGRET IT. Dr Fisher demonstrates extreme rudeness, total lack of professionalism, and zero compassionate support. This GP has significantly exacerbated my mental health struggles with depression and anxiety instead of providing genuine assistance. Because of you... Dr Fisher, my emotional state has deteriorated, and you should consider yourself fortunate that I didn't document the inappropriate comments made during our consultation. I am currently initiating legal proceedings and preparing an official complaint! I am absolutely prepared to pursue this matter in court if necessary!!!

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HH

Herbalsummer H. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Unhelpful doctor dismissed my concerns

I've been through a frustrating series of provider changes at this medical office. First, my original doctor departed, then their replacement also left. Now I'm stuck with a physician who dismisses my health concerns and even criticizes my personal religious practices. As a result, I'm actively searching for a new medical practice that will provide more respectful and attentive care.

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JP

Joanna P. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Average!

evening appointments saved my workday

At this medical practice, you'll find some truly exceptional physicians, with Dr. Fischer and Dr. Kartuunen standing out as particularly compassionate and committed professionals I highly endorse. On the flip side, I strongly caution against seeing Dr. McGuiness, whose approach is markedly different. The front desk staff are equally commendable - courteous, efficient, and supportive. A notable advantage is their offering of evening consultation slots, which is incredibly convenient for those with demanding work schedules.

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PW

Patrycja W. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating morning pharmacy phone line nightmare

The prescription phone line is consistently malfunctioning or improperly activated during morning hours. When I attempted to discuss this problem with a representative on the main line, their response was dismissive. Instead of offering helpful guidance or attempting to resolve the issue, they instructed me to disconnect the call so they could attend to the next caller. Ultimately, they abruptly terminated the conversation without providing any meaningful assistance.

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MP

María P. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst doctor visit about endless periods

If I could award fewer stars, I would. The staff is patronizing and disrespectful, and the medical professionals are completely ineffective. I sought an appointment with a gynecologist due to prolonged menstrual issues. I explained that my only previous gynecological visit was at 19 (I'm now 30), where I was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries. They claimed everything was fine unless I experienced complications, but for over a year, my periods have been abnormal - lasting a month with only one or two weeks between cycles (essentially living in a continuous menstrual state). Dr. Friederike Fisher insisted that if I wasn't trying to conceive, everything was fine and a gynecologist was unnecessary. I repeatedly emphasized that my menstrual pattern was abnormal and had persisted for an extended period, questioning how she could be certain nothing was wrong. Despite my insistence, I was dismissed. I left without a specialist referral and a year later, my condition remains unchanged. She repeatedly emphasized "in this country" at least three times during our conversation. Having lived in England for seven years and only now seeking medical attention due to genuine need, I'm clearly not attempting to exploit the "excellent health service" of her country. I've since moved and will register with a new practice to exercise my right to specialist care.

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FC

Frances C. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Dr Fischer's compassionate care rocks

My experience with the surgery has been outstanding, quite different from the critical accounts I've encountered online. Every staff member, from the front desk to the medical professionals, has been incredibly supportive, courteous, and understanding. Whenever I've required urgent medical attention, they have gone to extraordinary lengths to accommodate my needs. Dr. Fischer, in particular, stands out as an exceptional physician - she demonstrates profound medical expertise and genuine empathy, and I enthusiastically endorse her. The other doctor I consulted, whose name escapes me, was equally meticulous and provided superb care. The availability of evening appointments is a significant advantage for those with full-time work commitments, though standard consultations may involve some waiting time. Moreover, their communication is consistently reliable - when they promise to return a call, they invariably follow through. Overall, I am thoroughly satisfied with my interactions at Arbury Surgery.

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WA

Wendy A. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Great!

Caring staff made my medical visit smooth

A welcoming and supportive medical practice that truly stands out. The entire facility is excellent, with doctors who are highly competent and nurses who go above and beyond to assist patients. I believe the reception team is among the most outstanding in the nation. They demonstrate remarkable compassion, empathy, and a genuine commitment to helping patients. They are always ready to provide guidance and support for any additional healthcare needs. Overall, this is an exceptionally friendly and patient-centered medical surgery.

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MO

Mustafa O. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Confusing call from my local gp

Are they seriously using the name gp.omg? I'm not trying to disrespect healthcare professionals, but I just want to express my confusion.

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SO

Sinead O. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Mixed feelings with Dr Fisher's practice

I've been a patient at this practice my entire life, and while some doctors like Dr. Fisher and Dr. Watson are incredibly supportive, the experience varies greatly depending on who you see. The other physicians tend to be quite dismissive and brusque. The reception team seems to have an interrogation-like approach, bombarding you with an endless stream of questions before deciding if you're worthy of a consultation, even for recurring issues. And good luck actually reaching them by phone - they rarely pick up, and when they do, their attitude is far from welcoming or helpful.

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JJ

Jamie J. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Caring doctors who've been there forever

Generations of my family have relied on these compassionate physicians for half a century. The doctors are warm and personable, and their entire team provides exceptional, caring service.

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HT

Hazell T. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

My trusted doctors for years now

Delivers top-notch, personable, and incredibly committed care. I've been a patient here for more than ten years - the general practitioners are exceptional. I truly value having healthcare professionals who are intimately familiar with my comprehensive medical background. Heartfelt thanks!!

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CN

Charlie N. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Rude doctor ignored my broken collarbone

I am currently in the process of filing an official complaint against Dr. Jaana Karttunen. What an absolutely terrible healthcare professional! She did nothing but scold me for supposedly wasting her time, even though the receptionist booked my appointment - which is not my fault. I have a broken collarbone!!! She outright refused to help me and I left the office in tears, never even getting to discuss the reason for my visit. At one point, she even attempted to show me details of other patients' appointments - confidential information - seemingly trying to demonstrate how busy she was and how little time she had for me. When I called her out on her unprofessional behavior, she continued to insist she had no time, especially not for me. I suspect she might be struggling with personal issues like depression or substance abuse, but her conduct is completely unacceptable for a medical professional. Her approach was confrontational and angry, not caring or compassionate. She's a ridiculous excuse for a doctor, and I sincerely hope she is removed from her position. If anyone else has experienced similar mistreatment from this unstable physician, I strongly encourage you to file a complaint. She seems to believe she can behave this way without consequences.

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LL

Lorennaka L. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Misdiagnosis led to serious ear infection

I landed in the hospital with a severe ear infection, nearly requiring surgical intervention, all because of their negligence. When I tried to communicate my ear pain, they dismissed my concerns, claiming nothing was wrong. Their approach shows a complete disregard for patient consultation, often providing incorrect diagnoses that ultimately force patients to seek emergency care. This is why accident and emergency departments are constantly overcrowded with cases that could have been properly addressed earlier. These healthcare professionals seem more interested in avoiding genuine patient interactions than providing proper medical attention. Let's be clear: no one contacts a general practitioner for social purposes; we seek medical help because we're genuinely unwell and need professional medical assessment.

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XL

Xuefei L. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Receptionist ruins vaccination appointment

The front desk staff member demonstrated a complete lack of understanding and flexibility. Despite our minimal 5-minute delay for a 16-week vaccination, she insisted we reschedule, pushing our appointment three weeks into the future. Upon reviewing the clinic's policy, I discovered that patients are only potentially turned away if they arrive more than 10 minutes late. Throughout my interactions, I've encountered most of the medical staff, and my experiences have been mixed. Two of the female physicians display an unacceptable demeanor, appearing impatient and unprofessional, treating patients as if their compensation is their primary concern. Conversely, two other female doctors are consistently courteous and welcoming. One male doctor stands out for his distinctly condescending attitude. On a positive note, the newly hired nursing staff have been notably warm and approachable.

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Trusted by GP practices across the UK
Practice Response Rate
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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01223 364433
  • Arbury Road Surgery 114 Arbury Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB4 2JG

Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback for this practice reflects a deeply mixed experience with significant variation depending on which staff member is encountered. Positive interactions centre on professional medical expertise, compassionate nursing care, and courteous reception staff who demonstrate genuine helpfulness and warmth. Several patients report long-term satisfaction with continuity of care and responsive communication. However, negative feedback reveals persistent systemic issues affecting appointment access and booking experience. Patients describe difficulty securing timely consultations, with reception staff sometimes displaying dismissive attitudes and providing inconsistent information about availability. Communication failures are evident in delayed test results, missed referrals, and inadequate follow-up on hospital recommendations.

Care quality appears inconsistent across the practice, with some physicians receiving consistent praise for attentiveness and empathy while others are described as rushed, impatient, or dismissive of patient concerns. Waiting experiences vary significantly, from reasonable waits to extended delays on phone lines. Concerns about respect and courtesy emerge in multiple reviews, particularly regarding how reception staff handle patient inquiries and how some medical professionals respond to patients with complex or ongoing health needs. The practice's appointment system, relying heavily on same-day phone booking, creates barriers for patients unable to call during morning hours, raising accessibility concerns.

Appointment

41.52 %
Poor

Reception

42.18 %
Poor

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

46.75 %
Poor

Respect

43.28 %
Poor

Seen on time

44.65 %
Poor
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