Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a mixed experience with significant operational challenges alongside pockets of clinical excellence. Appointment access remains the most consistent concern, with patients reporting difficulty securing bookings through both phone and online systems, extended waiting periods for available slots, and frustration with complex booking procedures. Phone responsiveness emerges as a recurring issue, with many describing lengthy hold times, unanswered calls, and delayed callbacks. Reception experience is notably polarised, with some patients praising courteous and welcoming staff, whilst others report dismissive, rude, or unhelpful interactions that have created barriers to accessing care.

Clinical and nursing care generally receives positive feedback, with patients consistently describing professional, compassionate, and reassuring interactions with medical professionals and nursing staff. Several patients highlight specific examples of excellent care during consultations, wound management, and specialist assessments. However, administrative processes present ongoing friction, including prescription processing delays, incomplete referral documentation, and communication failures regarding appointment confirmations and test results.

The practice appears to have experienced a decline in service quality following recent organisational changes, with patients noting deterioration since mergers with other surgeries. Whilst some patients report successful urgent consultations and efficient service delivery, the broader pattern suggests systemic issues with capacity, staffing, and coordination that are impacting appointment availability and phone accessibility. Patients seeking routine care face particular challenges, though those with urgent needs occasionally report faster responsiveness.

Appointment

35.67 %
Poor

Reception

42.18 %
Poor

Cleanliness

72.50 %
Great

Care

68.45 %
Great

Respect

44.92 %
Poor

Seen on time

52.38 %
Average

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SL

Suzanne L. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible healthcare service that fails patients miserably

Utterly appalling service! The receptionist misplaced my prescription and absurdly denies its absence, despite me hand-delivering it myself! The phone wait times are unbearable - it's faster to physically go to the office. If you're expanding your patient load, you must ensure basic competence, which you're clearly lacking right now.

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SS

Sophie S. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Supportive transgender healthcare with minor communication hiccups

While there have been occasional communication challenges, I believe the practice currently demonstrates commendable approaches to transgender patient care and has consistently shown a welcoming and supportive attitude towards transgender healthcare requirements.

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JF

Jane F. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Great service with quick customer support

I had a pleasant interaction with the service and was able to contact them immediately without any issues.

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MN

Michelle N. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional wound care from compassionate nursing professional

I'd like to highlight the exceptional care provided by the nursing staff, especially Loren, during my wound recovery process. She skillfully handled the removal of my stitches and closely tracked my healing over a fortnight. While I understand that patient experiences can vary, I can confidently say that my treatment at Blackthorne Surgery (now known as Hamble Valley Health) was absolutely top-notch and deserving of the highest rating.

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LS

Lorraine S. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate nurse made my blood draw painless

The phlebotomist, Sue, was incredibly kind and helped me feel completely at ease during my blood draw.

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TF

Tony F. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick and efficient medical service

Stopped by for my blood draw and was pleasantly surprised to be processed quickly, actually finishing ahead of my scheduled slot.

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RW

Rafal W. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible clinic with zero patient care or compassion

The absolute bottom of the barrel for medical facilities in Southampton. For a full twelve months, securing an appointment has been impossible, with calls going perpetually unanswered. We're stuck waiting on a critical hospital communication, and they demonstrate zero willingness to assist. This clinic seems to exist merely as a name on a directory, providing absolutely no meaningful service. The quality of care is so abysmal that it's indistinguishable from complete medical abandonment. I am absolutely determined to lodge a formal complaint regarding their appalling service and total professional incompetence. What possible path to treatment exists when every attempt to seek help is systematically blocked? How many exhausting, futile trips to the hospital must I endure before receiving even a basic level of medical attention?

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TL

Tracey L. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Disappointing and impersonal healthcare experience

Lengthy delay followed by a hurried medical appointment with a primary care physician who seemed completely apathetic and detached

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DG

Daniel G. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst healthcare experience ever at blackthorn surgery

The Blackthorn Surgery epitomizes the numerous failings of contemporary healthcare. Securing an appointment is an exercise in futility, professional referrals are systematically disregarded, the personnel exhibit a consistently discourteous and patronizing demeanor, and should patients reluctantly seek alternative medical assistance, the practice responds with childish vindictiveness by arbitrarily striking them from waiting lists and canceling pending referrals - even after patients have endured years of anticipation. Such conduct recklessly compromises patient health through what can only be described as pure malevolence. I eagerly anticipate the forthcoming investigations and responses from the Care Quality Commission, Local NHS Board, and General Medical Council regarding their unacceptable professional conduct.

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JJ

J J. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible healthcare service that needs total overhaul

Completely and entirely useless. Securing a booking is near impossible. They should just sell the whole operation off to private interests.

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RR

Reha R. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional medical care that exceeded my expectations

Grateful beyond words for the exceptional surgical care I received. Truly outstanding medical treatment that exceeded all my expectations! ❤️

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MB

Matthew B. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Terrible reception, great doctor, mixed medical experience

Unprofessional reception staff, who refused to schedule an appointment despite my respiratory issues. Their lack of patient care prompted me to consider filing a regulatory complaint while recovering. After a challenging interaction and some self-guided research, I eventually received a last-minute appointment slot. The receptionist claimed inability to email documentation about my appointment denial, insisting I explain my situation repeatedly. I emphasized my desire to avoid confrontation and address concerns later when healthier. Similar communication challenges continued when requesting referral documentation. Instead of providing straightforward information, reception staff deflected with irrelevant responses. Overall, the administrative experience was frustratingly unhelpful and created unnecessary obstacles to receiving medical treatment. Fortunately, the attending physician was excellent, and the receptionist's demeanor improved during in-person interaction. However, I received only one incomplete referral lacking critical provider details. My recommendation: Include comprehensive contact information on referrals, offer email/text appointment confirmations, and prioritize patient communication efficiency. My approach remains direct: I need clear instructions, minimal bureaucracy, and respectful communication. Treat patients with the consideration you'd expect when unwell. Update - A second problematic encounter occurred two weeks later, leading me to file a formal complaint. Impressively, the GP's duty manager responded promptly, demonstrating understanding and professionalism. Their swift, empathetic resolution transformed my overall experience from negative to positive. The commitment to improvement was evident and appreciated. Thank you! 4/5 stars.

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AM

Anne M. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate doctor helps patient overcome health challenges

GP Appointment 18/02/2025 Immense gratitude to Dr Hirst, who truly exceeded expectations in addressing my comprehensive list of medical concerns. I was feeling incredibly anxious about my multiple health issues - but she provided reassurance and immediately processed all necessary referrals. I now feel significantly more empowered and confident in managing my ongoing health challenges.

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LM

Lyn M. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Unprofessional medical service with poor communication

It appears that despite a note indicating the need for a doctor's consultation, Blackthorn persists with its subpar medical approach of '2D / phone call' appointments - and not even a proper one at that, just a vague 'this afternoon' slot. At best, this is incredibly disrespectful - suggesting that my time is somehow less valuable than the Surgery's? And now I'm expected to just sit by the phone, on standby, waiting for this nebulous 'this afternoon' call.

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M“

Martin “. Google one year ago

Rating

Poor!

Frustrating phone call mishap with local surgery

I was caught off guard when the surgery scheduled a phone consultation via text just an hour beforehand. When the doctor attempted to call from a hidden number, I instinctively declined the call. I only became aware of the missed appointment when my home phone rang later. The practice should exclusively contact patients from their official number, as many individuals block unidentified calls, which likely results in these appointments being recorded as missed. Additionally, more advance notice should be provided for such impromptu calls, recognizing that not everyone keeps their phone within immediate reach at all times. Thanks

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AM

Amber M. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Excellent medical care for my worried daughter

Consulted with a doctor yesterday regarding my child. They returned my call with impressive speed, and the physician we conversed with was incredibly warm, courteous, and supportive.

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TT

Tracy T. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate staff make medical visit a pleasant experience

Regrettably, because of excessive complaints directed at staff members over matters beyond their influence, I cannot identify the courteous and competent receptionist who assisted me today. My blood test was completely comfortable, performed by an exceptional nurse who was both warm and highly skilled. I was also able to secure a follow-up appointment with a general practitioner for next week. This medical practice has been nothing short of excellent, and I have absolutely no criticisms to share.

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RL

Roy L. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Great service from helpful and attentive team

The employees were welcoming and consistently provided excellent service during my visits.

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LW

Laura W. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical practice i've ever encountered in my life

Calling this GP incompetent would be a compliment given their abysmal service. The receptionists are downright hostile, showing zero understanding that every single person walking through their doors is seeking help. The wait times are absolutely ridiculous - I understand the NHS is stretched thin, but there are respectful ways to communicate appointment unavailability. Compassion and basic human decency? Completely absent here. My daughter and I wasted an entire hour this morning just waiting to be seen, which is completely unacceptable. When I politely inquired about our wait time, the receptionist looked at me with pure contempt, as if I'd committed some grave offense by asking. My advice? Avoid this practice at all costs! Looking for a GP with even a shred of empathy? Keep searching. And if you're hoping to actually secure an appointment, prepare to spend 5-7 business days on hold, only to be ultimately disappointed. (Pro tip: you'll waste your time, but hey, at least you can say you tried).

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SM

Sam M. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Dangerous medical practice lacks basic patient care

My initial interaction with this medical practice was far from satisfactory. I urgently needed a replacement EpiPen for my anaphylaxis, yet was dismissively told they have no available appointments and to try calling back in a week - completely unhelpful for someone relying on a critical emergency medication. I'm genuinely concerned about the potential risk of a serious allergic reaction during this waiting period. By sharing this review, I want to document their apparent negligence and lack of responsiveness in case something dire happens to me due to their ineffective approach to patient care.

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Practice Response Rate
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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 023 80453110
  • Blackthorn Health Centre Satchell Lane, Hamble Southampton Hampshire SO31 4NQ

Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a mixed experience with significant operational challenges alongside pockets of clinical excellence. Appointment access remains the most consistent concern, with patients reporting difficulty securing bookings through both phone and online systems, extended waiting periods for available slots, and frustration with complex booking procedures. Phone responsiveness emerges as a recurring issue, with many describing lengthy hold times, unanswered calls, and delayed callbacks. Reception experience is notably polarised, with some patients praising courteous and welcoming staff, whilst others report dismissive, rude, or unhelpful interactions that have created barriers to accessing care.

Clinical and nursing care generally receives positive feedback, with patients consistently describing professional, compassionate, and reassuring interactions with medical professionals and nursing staff. Several patients highlight specific examples of excellent care during consultations, wound management, and specialist assessments. However, administrative processes present ongoing friction, including prescription processing delays, incomplete referral documentation, and communication failures regarding appointment confirmations and test results.

The practice appears to have experienced a decline in service quality following recent organisational changes, with patients noting deterioration since mergers with other surgeries. Whilst some patients report successful urgent consultations and efficient service delivery, the broader pattern suggests systemic issues with capacity, staffing, and coordination that are impacting appointment availability and phone accessibility. Patients seeking routine care face particular challenges, though those with urgent needs occasionally report faster responsiveness.

Appointment

35.67 %
Poor

Reception

42.18 %
Poor

Cleanliness

72.50 %
Great

Care

68.45 %
Great

Respect

44.92 %
Poor

Seen on time

52.38 %
Average
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