Bedlingtonshire Medical Practice

Difficult to get doctor appointments at convenient times

Disappointing experience with the service, I'm afraid. There appears to be limited availability for appointments with the doctor, with most consultations being conducted by the nursing staff instead. When doctor appointments are available, the time slots tend to be concentrated during midday hours, leaving few alternatives throughout the day. Additionally, there seems to be frequent changes in the medical staff at this practice, which makes it difficult to maintain continuity of care or know which practitioner to select from the regularly changing roster. Over the past year and a half, securing an appointment with one particular doctor has proven extremely challenging, with success on only a single occasion.

Practice refusing to process medication orders

Unable to obtain a prescription refill for my regular medication. I have been without my medication for over a month as the practice has not been willing to process my request.

Long-term patient appreciates thorough follow-up care

I have been a patient at Bedlingtonshire medical group throughout my life. During this time, I have encountered numerous clinicians, yet the standard of professional care has remained consistently high. As with any healthcare provider, occasional errors do occur, and Bedlingtonshire has had instances over my many years as a patient, though none have been significant enough to warrant complaint or affect my overall rating. Following a serious health event, the level of care I have received has been exceptional, with regular monitoring appointments and prompt attention to any unusual findings. I have also recently become aware that the surgery provides a broad range of additional services, including mental health support and guidance for those seeking assistance with benefit applications and related matters. The surgery, its team, and the service provided are all of a high standard.

Online booking system needs serious improvement

Generally a good practice with excellent clinical staff. However, the online appointment booking system is frustrating to use. There appears to be an inconsistency in how appointments are managed, as the practice states that certain appointment types must be booked through the online system, yet other appointment categories seem to be scheduled through alternative methods. This inconsistency in their approach feels misleading.

Friendly staff who always sort things out

Everyone at this practice is excellent. They are consistently polite and always resolve any concerns. I have been a patient here for many years and would not consider using any other practice. The entire team is brilliant.

Long prescription queue wait after practice error

Following a transfer of care from the hospital, I was prescribed what appeared to be an incorrect dosage for my condition. After emailing the practice, I received a call explaining that the hospital had not communicated the updated prescription information, and staff indicated they were pursuing clarification. I was advised to continue with my original prescription dosage despite being informed it would deplete before a replacement could be arranged, with the understanding that a new prescription would be issued once the hospital confirmed the increased amount. However, despite the dosage being updated on the NHS app, no new prescription has been issued. When I attempted to reorder, I was directed to contact the prescription line during specific hours. My call to this line resulted in an extended wait of nearly an hour with no visibility of my position in the queue. I found it frustrating that I needed to spend considerable time resolving what appeared to be an administrative issue originating from the practice's end. When I called back after an extended hold period that ended without resolution, I was simply advised to try again later in the day. I felt that taking ownership of the error and proactively resolving it would have been a more appropriate response than placing the burden of correction back onto the patient.

Efficient appointment that ran on time

The appointment ran smoothly and started at the scheduled time, with a welcoming and considerate approach throughout the visit.

Brilliant doctors but parking is tight

The car parking facilities are quite limited, however the medical staff are excellent. This practice comes highly recommended for those seeking a general practitioner.