Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals a practice experiencing significant operational challenges that substantially outweigh positive experiences. Appointment availability remains a critical issue, with patients reporting extended waiting times for phone lines, lengthy delays between booking and consultation, and difficulty securing appointments through standard channels. Reception experience is inconsistent, with some patients praising courteous and efficient staff, while others describe discourteous interactions and poor communication regarding appointment confirmations and administrative matters. Administrative delays are pervasive, including prolonged waits for prescription refills, unsigned letters, and test results that remain unprocessed for weeks or months. Continuity of care has deteriorated, with patients unable to see their regular physician and instead encountering different doctors at each visit, creating frustration particularly for those managing chronic conditions.

Positive feedback highlights attentive care from certain healthcare professionals, efficient handling of medical refills in some instances, and compassionate consultation experiences when patients successfully access appointments. However, these bright spots are overshadowed by widespread concerns about service accessibility, responsiveness, and organisation. Patients report the practice is difficult to reach by phone, with queues of 28 or more callers, and describe the booking experience as unnecessarily complicated. Several reviews note a marked decline in service quality following recent staffing changes and system modifications.

The overall tone reflects frustration with access barriers and administrative inefficiency, though some patients acknowledge the challenges facing NHS services more broadly. For a practice serving a community with limited alternative healthcare options, the service gaps identified across appointment availability, communication, administrative processing, and continuity of care represent substantial barriers to patient care.

Appointment

18.75 %
Bad

Reception

28.90 %
Bad

Cleanliness

50.00 %
Average

Care

35.67 %
Poor

Respect

31.20 %
Bad

Seen on time

22.50 %
Bad

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CT

Caterina T. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Terrible service at nhs reception desk

The receptionist on duty displayed a complete lack of professional engagement, coming across as extremely discourteous and disinterested. Typical of the current state of the NHS, unfortunately... one can hardly be surprised. A few of the other staff members were relatively decent by comparison.

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AA

Adam A. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating delays and poor communication in healthcare

I endured a six-week wait just to schedule a basic diagnostic procedure. Eventually, it was transferred to the correct facility, with promises of imminent contact - which was nearly a quarter of a year ago. I've reached out to Wadhurst surgery seeking clarification on their definition of "shortly" or simply requesting the contact details for the responsible centre. Additionally, I've filed an official grievance, but the resolution process is estimated to take 40 working days. Fundamentally, the message is clear: without private medical coverage, comprehensive healthcare in the United Kingdom has become virtually non-existent.

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A

Anonymouse 2 years ago

Rating

Average!

  • Appointment

    Bad
  • Reception

    Great
  • Cleanliness

    Average
  • Care

    Bad
  • Respect

    Average
  • Seen On Time

    Average

Very poor

My wife had a hospital test on 5/8/23 & was told results would be sent to the gp. 2 months later she'd heard nothing so went to the gp and was told they had the results but the receptionist couldn't give them. The earliest appointment for a telephone call from a GP to get the results was 4 weeks later.

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RD

Rachel D. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating service that desperately needs improvement now

Impossible to reach anyone, the service has dramatically declined after being transferred to a healthcare trust. Urgent action is required to address these issues.

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GD

Gillian D. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service that could endanger patient lives

Utterly appalling. The quality of assistance and empathy varies wildly depending on which staff member picks up the phone. Scheduling an appointment is a nightmare, primarily because the clinic frequently operates with just a single physician on duty. I'm convinced that if a patient were to suffer a fatal outcome due to ongoing medical issues, it would be a direct result of their total indifference and reckless approach to patient care.

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GB

Gillian B. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Frustrating healthcare experience with friendly staff

Called the clinic today and found myself 28th in the queue. The wait for a phone consultation with my regular physician is now stretching to 6 weeks. Parking is incredibly scarce, and the facility seems poorly designed for individuals with mobility challenges. Each visit means seeing a different doctor, which is frustrating. The staff are actually quite nice, but only if you're fortunate enough to actually connect with them.

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SH

Sue H. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Misleading google map information wastes my time

Completely misleading information from Google! This place is definitely NOT a walk-in medical clinic despite what the search results claim. Absolutely absurd!!!

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SC

Summer C. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating experience with unhelpful medical office staff

Scheduling an appointment is incredibly challenging, and the overall service is extremely unhelpful. The process of obtaining a prescription or receiving any assistance feels like navigating an endless maze of bureaucratic obstacles. The administrative staff consistently fails to complete necessary tasks, resulting in wasted time and frustrating appointments where critical information remains unprocessed.

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WW

Wendy W. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Confusing communication and unhelpful staff at clinic

Called this morning to confirm my appointment with the nurse. Initially given a time slot, but upon hanging up, I doubted the accuracy. When I rang back, another staff member provided a totally different time of day, with zero acknowledgment of the discrepancy. Felt compelled to request written confirmation, which they eventually sent, but the final receptionist was brusque and offered no apology. This level of service is unacceptable, especially when patients need clarity and reassurance.

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JB

Jade B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Amazing care and compassionate medical team

The front desk staff was delightful, and the physicians were absolutely fantastic throughout our surgical procedure.

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GR

Grainne R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional care from a compassionate medical professional

Dr. Skinner demonstrated exceptional care, attentiveness, and expertise throughout my appointment, making me feel completely at ease and well-treated.

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MB

Matt B. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Life-saving care from an incredible medical team

Exceptional care every single time. The front desk staff are incredibly efficient and ensure communication is swift. The physicians have genuinely been lifesavers for me on multiple occasions! I consider myself truly fortunate to have access to such outstanding healthcare, especially when compared to the subpar quality of other medical facilities. Heartfelt gratitude to the entire team for their remarkable dedication.

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SG

Sandra G. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Terrible service and unprofessional medical care nightmare

The front desk staff was boisterous, discourteous, and completely ineffective. The physician failed to perform his professional duties and bizarrely asked me to tell him what to do! I'm not a medical expert - I certainly wouldn't have sought help if I knew the solution! I had previously heard negative feedback about this place and now wish I had heeded those warnings.

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About the GP

  • Verified GP
  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01892 782121
  • Belmont Surgery St.James Square Wadhurst East Sussex TN5 6BJ

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals a practice experiencing significant operational challenges that substantially outweigh positive experiences. Appointment availability remains a critical issue, with patients reporting extended waiting times for phone lines, lengthy delays between booking and consultation, and difficulty securing appointments through standard channels. Reception experience is inconsistent, with some patients praising courteous and efficient staff, while others describe discourteous interactions and poor communication regarding appointment confirmations and administrative matters. Administrative delays are pervasive, including prolonged waits for prescription refills, unsigned letters, and test results that remain unprocessed for weeks or months. Continuity of care has deteriorated, with patients unable to see their regular physician and instead encountering different doctors at each visit, creating frustration particularly for those managing chronic conditions.

Positive feedback highlights attentive care from certain healthcare professionals, efficient handling of medical refills in some instances, and compassionate consultation experiences when patients successfully access appointments. However, these bright spots are overshadowed by widespread concerns about service accessibility, responsiveness, and organisation. Patients report the practice is difficult to reach by phone, with queues of 28 or more callers, and describe the booking experience as unnecessarily complicated. Several reviews note a marked decline in service quality following recent staffing changes and system modifications.

The overall tone reflects frustration with access barriers and administrative inefficiency, though some patients acknowledge the challenges facing NHS services more broadly. For a practice serving a community with limited alternative healthcare options, the service gaps identified across appointment availability, communication, administrative processing, and continuity of care represent substantial barriers to patient care.

Appointment

18.75 %
Bad

Reception

28.90 %
Bad

Cleanliness

50.00 %
Average

Care

35.67 %
Poor

Respect

31.20 %
Bad

Seen on time

22.50 %
Bad
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