Central Gateshead Medical Group

Getting appointments requires completing online forms first

Obtaining an appointment has become more challenging in recent times, as the process now requires completing an online form. The practice will contact you by phone to schedule a consultation if they determine that an appointment is necessary.

Online booking doesn't match actual appointments

The recent triage system has some limitations. Appointments can still be booked in advance through the online platform, but upon arrival it may be reassigned to a different type of appointment without prior notification from the practice.

Quick appointments and genuinely helpful staff

The medical staff are approachable, supportive and responsive to concerns. Appointments are consistently available without lengthy waits. This practice has provided an excellent standard of care compared to previous experiences.

Reception staff attitude needs improvement

The front desk staff demonstrated an unhelpful demeanor and appeared indifferent to the needs of patients and visitors. The overall experience fell short of expected standards for NHS care.

Unhelpful response left me feeling abandoned

Disappointing experience, and I've just registered here, but I'm planning to leave after the new year. During my appointment, I was told that due to my health situation the practice feels uncertain about how to proceed, and when I asked what this meant for me going forward, the response was dismissive and unhelpful. The overall interaction left me feeling frustrated and concerned about the level of care and attention provided to patients at this practice.

Struggling to book an appointment here

It is difficult to obtain an appointment at this practice, which represents a disappointing level of service.

Long waits and difficult appointment access here

I have found this practice to fall significantly short of my expectations. I would prefer to register elsewhere for myself and my young child, however other surgeries in the area are not currently accepting new patients. This experience contrasts sharply with the practice I attended in the Midlands for over two decades. I have struggled to obtain appointments for my child and feel that concerns are frequently deferred rather than addressed promptly. The shift towards e-consultations as the primary method of contact has added to my frustration. The extended waiting times have made attending accident and emergency departments seem like a more viable option, despite my reluctance to do so, as I feel I have limited alternatives at present.

Long wait meant missing the next appointment

I had a scheduled appointment today at 2.15pm. I arrived and checked in at 2.10pm, but by 2.50pm I still hadn't been called in to see the clinician. When I spoke to the receptionist, they apologised and explained that the previous patient was still with the clinician. This was unexpected, as I had previously understood that appointments were typically allocated 10 minutes each. Since I had another commitment at 3pm, I was unable to wait any longer and had to leave. The receptionist advised me to ring and rebook, but when I attempted to do so, there were no available slots.

Friendly staff made me feel heard

Excellent GP practice. The staff are friendly and approachable, with appointments readily available within a working day or on the same day, and the practice is flexible around working schedules and other commitments. The nursing staff were absolutely delightful during my procedure and the clinician was very attentive, listening fully to my concerns without making me feel rushed through my appointment. Would recommend to anyone.

Phone lines constantly busy at opening time

Extremely disappointing experience. I switched from my previous practice to this one, which has proven to be a poor decision. Since registering approximately a week ago, I have been unable to secure an appointment with a clinician. It is frustrating, to say the least. I have called at opening time every day, but by mid-morning there are no available slots. The service has been inadequate. I feel the practice requires significant improvement. Very unsatisfactory overall.

Friendly staff who really listened to concerns

The entire team is exceptionally welcoming and dedicated to their work. One clinician in particular demonstrated outstanding commitment to patient care and made a genuine effort to assist with my son's health concern.

Worth the drive for attentive care

I relocated away from the central area but chose to remain registered with this practice due to my strong trust in the clinical team. During a recent appointment, I saw a doctor I hadn't met before who provided excellent care. This practice is certainly worth the extra travel time, even though there are other surgeries closer to my home.

Impossible to book appointments at this practice

I am unable to provide feedback on the clinical care as I have not managed to secure an appointment. The booking system only permits same-day reservations at 8:30am, and missing this window means no appointment is available regardless of the reason for the visit. This applies even to important matters such as mental health support or related evaluations. Additionally, there appears to be no facility for women to arrange certain preventative health screenings through the standard booking methods. Attempting to book via telephone proves unsuccessful, and the digital booking platform also does not currently offer this functionality. This situation has left me feeling quite frustrated and unsupported.

Thorough examination and clear communication throughout

I had an excellent experience during my recent visit. I had made an appointment due to significant abdominal and back discomfort and saw a clinician who conducted a thorough examination and referred me to a hospital specialist, which led to a diagnosis of my condition. The clinician demonstrated strong professional knowledge, was approachable, communicated clearly and I left my appointment feeling satisfied.

Referral here was a complete waste

If you receive a referral to this practice, I would not recommend attending.

Same-day emergency appointments made the difference

The staff members are friendly and professional, and they make genuine efforts to assist patients during challenging times for the healthcare system. The system for obtaining same-day emergency appointments functions effectively, with options available for either in-person or telephone consultations. On the rare occasions when this has not been feasible, contacting the NHS helpline has resulted in urgent appointments being arranged at either the practice or a nearby walk-in centre. We have multiple children and have found the care and assistance provided for them to be excellent, particularly for one of our children who requires ongoing specialist support. I would recommend this practice.

Long phone queues and abrupt receptionist service

The clinical staff I have encountered have consistently been pleasant and courteous. However, the practice is significantly hindered by appointment availability and the demeanor of the reception team. I experienced a lengthy wait of one hour and 45 minutes while on hold. When I finally reached the front of the queue, the call was terminated before I could even introduce myself. Upon calling back immediately, I found myself placed back in a queue showing "over 30" positions, returning me to the same situation as my initial attempt.

Website booking system isn't working properly

Attempted to use the online booking system but encountered technical difficulties preventing access. Frustrated by the inability to complete the appointment booking through this method. Overall disappointed with the service provided by this practice.

Reception attitude made appointment booking harder

This practice has significant issues with accessibility. Booking an appointment proves unnecessarily difficult, and the reception staff's demeanor can leave patients feeling dismissed and undervalued. The limited appointment availability, particularly the early morning slots, creates barriers for many people. Additionally, phone calls often go unanswered, especially towards the end of the day. These challenges may be particularly discouraging for those managing mental health concerns who might struggle to persist in seeking care.

Reception and nursing team made all the difference

This practice has provided me with excellent care from the moment I arrive. The entire team, including both administrative and clinical staff, has been outstanding. The nursing team in particular has been exceptional.