Patient Experience Summary

Feedback on this practice reveals a mixed picture with significant variation in patient experiences. Appointment access emerges as the most prominent concern, with many patients reporting difficulty securing slots through a restrictive booking system that requires calling at specific morning times, with limited alternative options. Reception experience is similarly polarised: some patients consistently praise the helpfulness and friendliness of front desk staff, whilst others describe dismissive or unwelcoming interactions, particularly concerning given reports of inadequate consideration for vulnerable patients. Clinical consultations receive contrasting assessments, with some patients appreciating supportive and attentive care, whilst others feel rushed through appointments without their concerns being fully addressed.

Communication and responsiveness issues extend beyond appointments, including delays in prescription processing and administrative tasks. Several patients report that the booking system feels disorganised and that care coordination could be improved. Positively, clinical staff are frequently described as courteous and genuinely concerned about patient welfare, and some patients report efficient service and satisfactory care experiences over extended periods. The practice appears to operate under resource constraints that may be contributing to the access difficulties and time pressures evident in consultations.

Overall, whilst some patients express confidence in the clinical team's competence and care, systemic challenges around appointment availability and reception consistency are creating barriers to access and affecting patient confidence in the service.

Appointment

38.54 %
Poor

Reception

48.76 %
Poor

Cleanliness

75.00 %
Great

Care

58.21 %
Average

Respect

52.43 %
Average

Seen on time

45.67 %
Poor

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SA

Shamaila A. Google 4 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff made appointments stress-free

We have always found the clinical staff and reception team at this medical practice to be extremely efficient, friendly, and supportive. Their professionalism and caring attitude make every visit smooth and stress-free. Thank you for consistently providing excellent care — we truly appreciate the whole team.

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CB

Charlotte B. Google 4 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Staff dismissive when booking appointments repeatedly

I have found this medical practice to be extremely disappointing. The approach taken by the team has been very frustrating. When I called early in the morning, I was able to get through shortly after, only to be informed that no appointment slots were available, despite having attempted to book multiple times over the preceding week with the same outcome each time. Due to these experiences, I have decided to register with a different practice for both myself and my family member.

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AA

Alcogod A. Google 4 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to book an appointment here

A frustrating experience overall. Accessing an appointment at this practice is extremely difficult. The reception desk does not offer in-person booking options. Online appointment booking is not available. The sole method to secure an appointment involves calling at 8am and hoping to be among the fortunate few who get through. The appointment system feels inadequate and problematic.

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EH

Emma H. Google 6 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Booking process was confusing and frustrating

It took multiple days of back-and-forth phone calls to arrange an appointment, followed by an additional call confirming a booking that had already been made. Subsequently, another call came through to inform me that the scheduled appointment couldn't proceed as planned. Messages are sent from no-reply numbers, making it difficult to respond. The overall experience felt disorganised and frustrating, with a sense that processes weren't well coordinated. Fortunately, this wasn't for a serious matter.

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JP

Jennifer P. Google 8 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Efficient and friendly staff throughout

We have always found the clinical and reception staff at this medical practice to be efficient and friendly. Thank you.

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PM

Paul M. Google 8 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Couldn't book appointment despite surgery's text

I struggled to secure an appointment despite submitting an online consultation and receiving a message asking me to book one. The staff member I spoke with on the phone was unhelpful. This has been the most disappointing experience I have had with a surgery.

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KM

Katrina M. Google 9 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Limited choice of female practitioners available

It is disappointing that female practitioners are not available at this practice.

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CS

Charlotte S. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Receptionist delayed private referral request for a week

I was referred from urgent care to my GP practice to arrange scans. During my appointment on Monday, I was informed that a referral would be processed with an estimated waiting time of 6-8 weeks. As this timeframe seemed lengthy, I decided to pursue private healthcare instead. However, the private facility required a GP referral letter to proceed. I contacted my GP practice to request that the referral be sent to me so I could forward it to the private hospital. The receptionist indicated she would ask the doctor to prepare this. When I called back a few hours later, I was told she was awaiting authorisation before the letter could be printed. Upon asking when this might be completed, I was advised it may not happen that day. A week has now passed, and despite calling almost daily to follow up, I have not received the referral. I find it difficult to understand why the practice appears reluctant to facilitate this request.

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RR

Ruth R. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Consistently professional and welcoming over the years

I have consistently received outstanding service and professionalism from both clinical and administrative staff at this practice over the past several years. I am very grateful for their care.

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BC

Bailey C. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Phone queue takes forever for no appointments

Calling the practice can involve lengthy wait times even when there are few other callers, only to be informed that no appointments are currently available. Many consultations appointments feel impersonal and rushed, with concerns not being fully addressed before moving on to see the next patient.

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JL

James L. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Staff were genuinely pleasant and helpful

The team here consistently demonstrates a helpful and pleasant demeanor.

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PW

Philip W. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Good service despite NHS system pressures

Have consistently received satisfactory care, despite the constraints of operating within the present NHS framework...

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SA

Shireene A. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Felt rushed and not properly listened to during appointment

I have been a patient at this practice for over two decades and am now seriously contemplating registering elsewhere as I feel the clinicians here do not genuinely engage with what patients are saying and prioritise rushing through appointments rather than taking time to listen properly. During a recent visit, I felt dismissed and hurried out of the consultation room by a clinician who appeared considerably younger, which I found upsetting. I was told what would be prescribed for me while being ushered towards the door, which made me feel the appointment was being cut short to move me along. It seems the staff at this practice sometimes lose sight of the fact that patients are fundamental to their work. I would encourage a focus on quality of care over speed of service.

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RA

Rachael A. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Couldn't get appointment after early morning call

This practice has not met my expectations. I requested a form to be completed and signed, but was told I would need to attend an appointment first. When I called at the suggested time to book, I was unable to secure an appointment. I have already submitted a formal complaint about my experience at this surgery. I felt that the support I received was inadequate for my needs, and I have decided to register with a different practice. I am also considering pursuing this matter further through additional channels.

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BB

B B. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to book appointments after early morning

Hopefully you won't need urgent care, as appointment availability appears limited if you call after the early morning window. Booking appointments for the following day also seems challenging, so attempting to secure a slot the next morning may prove difficult. If you do manage to obtain an appointment, it would certainly feel like a fortunate occurrence.

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PY

Philip Y. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Staff took time to listen and care

Throughout the years, the medical professionals and team members at the practice have consistently demonstrated courtesy, efficiency and genuine care. They have made an effort to listen attentively and show consideration for individual needs. This approach has made me feel valued as an individual rather than simply another patient passing through.

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LT

Lindsey T. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Average!

Receptionists always helpful when calling in

I have to ring fairly frequently on behalf of my mother, and find all the receptionists to be helpful and accommodating. The receptionist I spoke with today was particularly helpful, as they have been on previous occasions.

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CL

Capastian L. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Average!

Practice location needs serious reconsideration

The practice location presents challenges that may impact the experience. Consider relocating to a more suitable area, as the current setting appears to be a limiting factor in service delivery.

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VM

V M. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to book an appointment with anyone qualified

I would rate this lower if possible. It is extremely difficult to obtain an appointment with a clinician. The current system requires completing an online form before being directed to an out-of-hours service to speak with someone I felt was not adequately qualified to help. Previously, it was straightforward to book a direct appointment with a clinician through the online system, which is no longer available. I also question why patients must describe their health concerns to reception staff who lack the medical training to determine whether a clinical appointment is necessary. Additionally, the availability of telephone consultations appears to be declining. This is very frustrating.

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AA

Amjad A. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Couldn't get through on the phone

Unsatisfactory experience with the service provided

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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01388 602728
  • The Old Fire House Watling Road Bishop Auckland County Durham DL14 6RP

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback on this practice reveals a mixed picture with significant variation in patient experiences. Appointment access emerges as the most prominent concern, with many patients reporting difficulty securing slots through a restrictive booking system that requires calling at specific morning times, with limited alternative options. Reception experience is similarly polarised: some patients consistently praise the helpfulness and friendliness of front desk staff, whilst others describe dismissive or unwelcoming interactions, particularly concerning given reports of inadequate consideration for vulnerable patients. Clinical consultations receive contrasting assessments, with some patients appreciating supportive and attentive care, whilst others feel rushed through appointments without their concerns being fully addressed.

Communication and responsiveness issues extend beyond appointments, including delays in prescription processing and administrative tasks. Several patients report that the booking system feels disorganised and that care coordination could be improved. Positively, clinical staff are frequently described as courteous and genuinely concerned about patient welfare, and some patients report efficient service and satisfactory care experiences over extended periods. The practice appears to operate under resource constraints that may be contributing to the access difficulties and time pressures evident in consultations.

Overall, whilst some patients express confidence in the clinical team's competence and care, systemic challenges around appointment availability and reception consistency are creating barriers to access and affecting patient confidence in the service.

Appointment

38.54 %
Poor

Reception

48.76 %
Poor

Cleanliness

75.00 %
Great

Care

58.21 %
Average

Respect

52.43 %
Average

Seen on time

45.67 %
Poor
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