Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reflects a mixed experience with this practice, with notable divergence between those satisfied with clinical care and those encountering significant barriers to access. Many patients praise the compassionate and professional approach of clinical staff, describing thorough assessments and supportive interactions that inspire confidence. Reception teams receive consistent recognition for courtesy and helpfulness, and the practice environment is noted for cleanliness and accessible facilities.

However, appointment access emerges as a substantial and recurring concern. Patients report considerable difficulty securing appointments, with some experiencing waits of several months for doctor consultations. The telephone booking system presents particular challenges, including lengthy waiting times to enter queues and lack of transparency about position in the queue. Some patients describe the booking process as frustrating and problematic, with limited availability of preferred appointment slots. Communication delays also feature prominently, with patients reporting unresponsive emails and the need for multiple follow-ups to receive contact.

Additional service concerns include medication management issues, with some patients reporting changes made without adequate notice or discussion, and instances where equipment functionality problems disrupted scheduled appointments. A small number of patients raised concerns about the appropriateness of clinical responses and the accessibility of the complaints process. Despite these challenges, several patients who have successfully accessed care express strong satisfaction with the quality of clinical support received.

Appointment

48.75 %
Poor

Reception

58.30 %
Average

Cleanliness

78.50 %
Great

Care

68.90 %
Great

Respect

64.20 %
Average

Seen on time

52.40 %
Average

Filter

MT

Michelle T. Google 3 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Easy to book appointments at this surgery

This is the best surgery I have ever attended. I have never had difficulty booking an appointment and the clinical staff are all wonderful. A special mention to the receptionist who consistently goes the extra mile to assist patients. Thank you 🙏

More Info
BB

B B. Google 6 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff made me feel welcome

I had an appointment with a clinician who was excellent, kind and friendly. The nursing staff were also pleasant and approachable. I was satisfied with the reception team as well.

More Info
JB

Jonny B. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Hard to book an appointment with a doctor

The quality of care provided is satisfactory when you are able to access it. However, obtaining an appointment with a doctor presents considerable difficulty. Same-day slots are handled quickly with limited time. Longer consultations tend to be scheduled with the nurse practitioner, who is competent though not a physician. Doctor appointments have extended waiting times stretching several months ahead. The practice appears stretched in meeting the needs of its current patient population.

More Info
NT

Nicola T. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff made relocating easier

I am genuinely very pleased with the compassion, warmth and professionalism demonstrated by the team at this medical practice. The organisation throughout the facility is excellent. Moving from another part of the country has been challenging, but I feel fortunate to have found such a capable and well-run practice to care for my health.

More Info
CW

Chris W. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Welcoming staff who actually listen to you

I've always had a wonderful experience here, with such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The clinician I see is genuinely lovely, takes time to listen carefully, communicates in a friendly and approachable manner, and shows great understanding towards their patients.

More Info
AG

Alexander G. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Staff made me feel welcome and heard

The team here was welcoming and approachable.

More Info
BE

B E. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Reception and clinical staff both unhelpful

I would have given a lower rating if possible. I was thoroughly dissatisfied with my experience across all staff members, from reception through to clinical staff, as I felt the service fell short of expectations. Switching to a different practice has highlighted the contrast and made me more aware of the shortcomings I experienced previously.

More Info
HR

Helen R. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Easy to book appointments with friendly staff

I recently relocated to the area from the Southeast. I am very pleased with this practice, which demonstrates excellent standards across communication, operational efficiency, and approachability. The straightforward process for booking appointments is particularly appreciated. The front desk staff have been notably supportive and helpful.

More Info
MG

Michael G. Google one year ago

Rating

Poor!

Medication stopped without proper warning or notice

One member of staff provided excellent care and deserves recognition, however the remainder of the team fell short of expectations. There were concerns about medication management, including insufficient notice being given before changes were made. The review process felt predetermined, with the impression that responses were not genuinely considered. During a recent visit for chest symptoms, the initial approach was to arrange tests rather than provide immediate treatment, which resulted in a delay before the condition was confirmed and addressed.

More Info
AH

Amy H. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Receptionist made booking straightforward and easy

I have consistently received excellent service from all members of staff at this practice, including the reception team, healthcare support staff, nursing team, and clinicians. During my recent appointment, the advance nurse practitioner conducted a comprehensive assessment with great compassion and took considerable time to explain my condition using visual aids and practical demonstrations. I greatly appreciated the thorough approach and the helpful guidance provided on managing my symptoms. I am grateful to the entire team for their care and attention.

More Info
GA

G A. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Early detection saved by thorough listening

I received a very thorough assessment during my visit. What I initially believed to be a straightforward condition was investigated more comprehensively, and thanks to the attentive care provided by all members of the practice team, I was referred for urgent specialist evaluation. The outcome of this referral proved significant for my care. I cannot speak highly enough of the entire team's approach.

More Info
JD

Jules D. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff but parking is tricky

We recently registered with this practice and have been very pleased with the service provided by both the reception team and the clinical staff. We appreciated receiving appointment reminders. The only drawback has been the parking situation.

More Info
SB

Stephen B. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful receptionists made all the difference

An absolute lifesaver compared to what I was used to previously. The reception staff are incredibly helpful and courteous!

More Info
SS

Sophie S. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Refused medication and left without appointments

I would not recommend this practice. When I relocated, I arrived with established mental health support in place, but this practice declined to continue my medication. I experienced significant withdrawal symptoms, which subsequent healthcare providers have indicated was not an appropriate course of action. I struggled to secure appointments during periods when I was in considerable distress and urgently needed care. The service felt ineffective for my needs. After more than half a year without being able to access an appointment, I decided to register elsewhere.

More Info
PC

Pierre C. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Reception got me in quickly and efficiently

The reception team provided a swift and efficient service. I appreciated the care taken by the clinician to help me feel reassured and confident in their hands.

More Info
CS

Christina S. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Equipment failure meant wasted appointment time

My daughter attended her scheduled appointment only to discover that the necessary equipment was not functioning. This was disappointing 😕

More Info
EA

Evonne A. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

On-site chemist makes appointments easier

A satisfactory medical practice that benefits from having a pharmacy located at the same location.

More Info
PK

Peter K. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly reception and quick appointment booking

Excellent service with a highly professional team.

More Info
JT

Joanna T. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Chronic problems with booking and communication here

I have experienced ongoing difficulties with this practice that seem to recur with each visit. Communication issues include unresponded emails and lengthy telephone waiting times. I have been given incorrect appointment times, scheduled with clinical staff when I needed to see a doctor, and subsequently required additional appointments. An appointment cancellation was attributed to staff illness but remains recorded on my file as a missed attendance. These issues have accumulated into a frustrating pattern. This has been the poorest experience I have had with a medical practice. Several months later, my concerns persist as the practice continues to fall short of expectations. I was recently prescribed incorrect medication and received inaccurate information regarding it. I have found the clinical staff to be unhelpful, and the doctors have similarly not met my expectations.

More Info
KO

Karen O. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful staff made everything straightforward

Recently joined this practice and have consistently received outstanding service from the entire team. The staff have been thoughtful and supportive throughout my visits. My concerns were addressed promptly and professionally.

More Info

For practice staff

Respond to patient reviews

Monitor satisfaction trends

Generate CQC evidence reports

Claim & Manage Profile
Trusted by GP practices across the UK
Practice Response Rate
0.00%

Shows how often this practice responds to patient reviews and feedback.

About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01325 520794
  • Carmel Medical Practice Nunnery Lane Darlington County Durham DL3 8SQ

Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reflects a mixed experience with this practice, with notable divergence between those satisfied with clinical care and those encountering significant barriers to access. Many patients praise the compassionate and professional approach of clinical staff, describing thorough assessments and supportive interactions that inspire confidence. Reception teams receive consistent recognition for courtesy and helpfulness, and the practice environment is noted for cleanliness and accessible facilities.

However, appointment access emerges as a substantial and recurring concern. Patients report considerable difficulty securing appointments, with some experiencing waits of several months for doctor consultations. The telephone booking system presents particular challenges, including lengthy waiting times to enter queues and lack of transparency about position in the queue. Some patients describe the booking process as frustrating and problematic, with limited availability of preferred appointment slots. Communication delays also feature prominently, with patients reporting unresponsive emails and the need for multiple follow-ups to receive contact.

Additional service concerns include medication management issues, with some patients reporting changes made without adequate notice or discussion, and instances where equipment functionality problems disrupted scheduled appointments. A small number of patients raised concerns about the appropriateness of clinical responses and the accessibility of the complaints process. Despite these challenges, several patients who have successfully accessed care express strong satisfaction with the quality of clinical support received.

Appointment

48.75 %
Poor

Reception

58.30 %
Average

Cleanliness

78.50 %
Great

Care

68.90 %
Great

Respect

64.20 %
Average

Seen on time

52.40 %
Average
Filter

Order By

Rating