Brunton Park Health Centre

They listen and genuinely try to help

An excellent medical practice where the team demonstrates genuine commitment and consistently makes a strong effort to provide assistance.

Caring staff let down by unhelpful receptionists

The clinical staff members are wonderful and demonstrate genuine care and compassion in their approach to patients. However, the reception team could significantly improve their manner when dealing with callers. People who contact the practice are often seeking assistance and support, and it would be beneficial if all staff members could approach these interactions with greater empathy and understanding.

Impossible to book appointments, poor communication

It is extremely difficult to secure an appointment, and when one becomes available, it tends to be a telephone consultation with someone who fails to make contact as expected.

Impossible to book appointments before eight

I have attended the walk-in centre on Ponteland Road far more frequently than my registered practice. The appointment system requires calling at 8 each morning, as advance bookings are not available and the NHS app does not yet permit online reservations. By 8:07 each day, all available slots for that day have been allocated. Of my recent required appointments, the majority have been at the walk-in centre located some distance away. The practice appears to be struggling with capacity and may benefit from reviewing patient intake.

Hard to book appointments at this practice

The service quality was disappointing, with significant difficulty in securing appointment slots. The practice's approach to patient care felt frustrating, and they frequently directed patients toward alternative NHS facilities rather than providing care directly.

Difficult to reach when struggling most

I've had a difficult experience with my GP practice over the past year. When I was going through a particularly challenging period with my mental health, I tried repeatedly to secure an appointment by calling the surgery, but was consistently asked to ring back the following morning. Following a hospital visit, I was advised to request a referral from my GP, which proved problematic. The practice required me to attend both a telephone consultation and an in-person appointment before proceeding. During the face-to-face visit, considerable time was spent searching for equipment when I felt this wasn't necessary given recent checks. After multiple follow-ups, a referral was eventually issued, though it contained errors. I subsequently learned the referral had been cancelled and was directed to contact my GP again. The practice continues to restrict advance booking and rarely offers face-to-face appointments. These barriers to accessing care are frustrating and seem to contribute to the broader pressures the NHS is currently facing.

Phone queues leave you waiting far too long

I have found this practice to be unsatisfactory compared to other surgeries I have attended. The telephone answering service appears to have significant delays, and on one occasion I waited outside for a considerable time before being admitted, during which I felt the staff member who eventually responded was dismissive. During a recent appointment, I experienced lengthy waiting periods both before and after being seen, despite the practice not appearing busy at that time. Additionally, I was expecting to be referred for a scan on an urgent basis, but I was subsequently informed that the referral had been processed as routine rather than priority, which may result in a substantially longer wait for the procedure. When I raised concerns about this with reception staff, I did not feel my query was adequately addressed. Overall, my experience has been disappointing, and I am considering registering with an alternative practice.

Long-term patient valued and well cared for

I have been a long-standing patient at this practice. The service provided has consistently been excellent throughout my time here. The staff have demonstrated genuine care and have made a meaningful difference to my family's wellbeing. I am very grateful for their support.

New practice understood my daughter's medical history well

Recently registered with this health centre after relocating to the area. I was concerned about switching practices as my child requires ongoing medication and receives specialist care elsewhere, and I wasn't confident a new doctor would be familiar with their medical history. I was pleasantly surprised! I cannot speak highly enough of the health centre following my initial appointment. The clinician I saw was knowledgeable about both my children's backgrounds and demonstrated genuine warmth and openness towards myself and my young family. The experience left me feeling confident and reassured that we will receive good care here.

Pleasant staff and well-organised practice setup

Recently joined this GP practice and have been pleased with the friendly team and efficient organisation. The practice also benefits from convenient late opening hours and has a pharmacy in close proximity.