Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reflects a mixed experience across the practice, with notable variation in patient satisfaction. Telephone access remains a significant challenge, with patients reporting consistently engaged lines, unanswered calls, and lengthy waits to reach the surgery. Appointment availability is frequently cited as difficult, with extended waiting times when booking and delays in securing urgent slots. Reception experience is inconsistent, with some patients describing courteous and helpful staff whilst others report dismissiveness and lack of empathy during interactions.

Clinical care receives more positive recognition overall, with many patients praising thorough consultations, professional competence, and compassionate approaches from clinicians. Patients particularly value continuity of care and the dedicated care coordination support available. Online booking and consultation facilities are appreciated where accessible. However, some patients express concerns about rushed appointments, delayed communication, and insufficient attention to medical history prior to consultations.

Administrative processes present recurring difficulties, including errors in appointment scheduling, delayed test results, and unreliable correspondence. Several patients report concerns about the quality of care for complex conditions and feel their health concerns were not adequately investigated or addressed. Despite these challenges, a substantial number of patients express genuine gratitude for the support received and confidence in their clinical care.

Appointment

42.65 %
Poor

Reception

45.32 %
Poor

Cleanliness

55.00 %
Average

Care

62.18 %
Average

Respect

54.28 %
Average

Seen on time

48.93 %
Poor

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DF

Daniel F. Google 2 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick appointment with minimal waiting time

The appointment was efficient and brief.

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VY

Viktor Y. Google 3 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Felt listened to during blood test appointment

I would like to thank the healthcare professional for being so kind and professional during my appointment today. I have always had a very positive experience with this GP practice. Thank you for your excellent care.

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LB

Liz B. Google 5 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Felt heard and given proper care

I consistently feel listened to and comfortable during my visits. I have confidence that I am receiving appropriate guidance and care from the clinician. The healthcare professional demonstrates professionalism, maintains a pleasant demeanor, and shows genuine commitment to supporting their patients' wellbeing.

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GM

Gareth M. Google 5 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Communication delays made getting help nearly impossible

Communication has been slow, with significant delays in arranging consultations to discuss health concerns. Calls have gone unreturned, and there has been a prolonged delay in reaching a diagnosis despite repeatedly raising concerns about respiratory and cardiac symptoms over an extended period. When speaking informally with others about the practice, feedback has consistently been negative. This reflects my genuine experience and observation rather than a reaction written in frustration, but rather as someone managing a serious ongoing condition that continues to impact daily life without resolution after several years. Following a subsequent update, after nearly six years, there has been some progress toward identifying the underlying issue. However, requests for further specialist investigations have been declined, which would have provided definitive answers about the nature of the condition. The decision to decline these additional tests raises questions about the reasoning behind this approach. There appears to be reluctance to pursue investigations that might confirm what has been consistently reported since the beginning of this health journey. It would be beneficial to seek care from a practice that prioritises patient wellbeing and timely investigation of health concerns rather than prolonging diagnostic uncertainty.

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NT

N T. Google 6 months ago

Rating

Great!

Staff listened well and tailored care to my needs

The staff members I have had contact with at the local surgery are highly recommended by me. Staff are polite, professional, kind and listen well. Apologies are given if clinics are running behind schedule, hygiene protocols are followed when requested and instructions are adhered to at each of my visits. Staff make efforts to tailor care to my individual needs which is greatly appreciated as I have specific requirements that benefit from personalised attention. I have noticed an improvement in appointment availability through the online booking system which allows me to book appointments remotely rather than by telephone—a significant advantage when needed. Care is compassionate, collaborative and patient centred overall. Thank you to the staff members, you are appreciated 👏

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CL

Caitlin L. Google 6 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Felt genuinely listened to and reassured

The clinician at this surgery is a credit to the practice; they are always so thorough and I always feel reassured when leaving. I had a very positive experience when my child was seen for a routine check-up, during which a serious condition was identified at an extremely early stage, which I felt made a significant difference to the outcome. I have also had really positive experiences with other members of the clinical and support team at the practice.

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ST

Sean T. Google 6 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Easy appointment booking and attentive reception staff

The practice has been excellent in my experience. I find the appointment booking process straightforward and the reception staff are consistently courteous and attentive when handling enquiries and scheduling. One of the clinicians I've seen is among the most professional individuals I've encountered. During appointments, I feel treated as an individual rather than just another patient, and the level of care and attention provided is genuinely valuable. This clinician is a real asset to the medical profession and to the practice.

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AA

Anthony A. Google 7 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Practice refused to send medical records when requested

I felt the practice was not transparent in their approach to my care. I experienced what I believed were diagnostic errors that resulted in delays to my treatment. I also felt that requests for basic care and access to my medical records and imaging were refused without adequate explanation. I did not feel I received the standard of care I expected. I would encourage anyone receiving care here to seek additional medical opinions on any diagnoses or if you feel your treatment is being unnecessarily delayed or deprioritised. I presented with several health concerns including rectal bleeding, vomiting blood, injuries I attributed to treatment delays, and abdominal pain, but felt these were not adequately addressed. I also have a lipoma in my lower spine area that I believe has worsened due to delayed treatment and is causing me significant pain. When I raised concerns about pain related to this condition, I felt my symptoms were dismissed rather than properly investigated. I felt there was a disconnect between what I was reporting about my symptoms and how they were being managed by the practice.

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DA

David A. Google 7 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

First class medical centre with friendly reception

An excellent healthcare facility.

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CB

Claire B. Google 7 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Felt heard and given proper time

My appointment today was excellent. I felt the clinician gave me the time I needed along with really good advice and information.

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GL

Graeme L. Google 7 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Felt genuinely listened to at appointment

The medical professionals at this practice are wonderful, nice yet professional. Thank you very much. This surgery is among the best in the area, with kind and capable staff throughout. One particular clinician stood out as being exceptional. Thank you. Kind regards.

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JJ

Joana J. Google 7 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Felt heard and supported throughout my visit

The entire healthcare system - excellent - with communication in English - NHS services. Support for those affected by serious infectious illness - survivors of serious infectious illness.

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CB

Craig B. Google 7 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Reception staff were dismissive and unhelpful

I had a very negative experience at this practice. I felt the reception staff were dismissive and unhelpful when I interacted with them. When I spoke with a nurse about difficulty obtaining my medication, I felt my concerns were not taken seriously and that I was not treated with respect. There was also a significant delay in my prescription being sent to the pharmacy. Overall, I found the service fell well short of what I would expect from a healthcare provider and felt the staff attitude needed considerable improvement.

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SW

Smile W. Google 8 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Phlebotomist's calm approach eases needle anxiety

This healthcare professional is an absolute gem and an asset to this surgery. When performing blood draws, they have the most relaxing demeanour and cheerful smile which puts even the most anxious patients at ease. Upon seeing their name on my appointment, I feel reassured. I have attended multiple appointments with this person and their accuracy and precision are exemplary. Thank you.

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AA

Anna A. Google 11 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Thorough appointment that put me at ease

Had an excellent appointment today with a clinician who was comprehensive in their approach and made me feel very comfortable. This is a wonderful GP practice!

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JB

Jean B. Google 11 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Receptionists were friendly and doctors listened well

I have been very pleased with my experience at this practice over the past several years. The reception team has consistently been welcoming and supportive, and the clinicians I have consulted with have always given my concerns proper attention, taken them seriously, and made sure I received the appropriate care I required. I am grateful for this level of service.

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MA

Marian A. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Felt truly listened to about my concerns

I had an appointment regarding an ongoing health concern. The clinician was attentive to my worries and demonstrated thoroughness throughout the consultation. All available treatment options were discussed in detail, and the approach was both professional and compassionate. I was very appreciative of the care provided.

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FM

Faith M. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff made me feel genuinely welcomed

The staff at this practice are very friendly and caring. Thank you for providing such a welcoming and professional service.

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OC

Olivia C. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Felt listened to and given clear next steps

The clinician at the practice was excellent during my recent visit, taking time to listen to my concerns and providing reassurance through a clear plan to address them ☺️ thank you

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NY

Nutrel Y. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Dismissive approach left me feeling unheard

This practice provided an unsatisfactory experience. I felt my concerns were not properly investigated and received a diagnosis that I disagreed with. The clinical assessment did not align with my own understanding of my health issues. I would recommend considering alternative healthcare providers if you have concerns about receiving a thorough evaluation.

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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01325 465646
  • Clifton Court Med Pract Victoria Road Darlington County Durham DL1 5JN

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reflects a mixed experience across the practice, with notable variation in patient satisfaction. Telephone access remains a significant challenge, with patients reporting consistently engaged lines, unanswered calls, and lengthy waits to reach the surgery. Appointment availability is frequently cited as difficult, with extended waiting times when booking and delays in securing urgent slots. Reception experience is inconsistent, with some patients describing courteous and helpful staff whilst others report dismissiveness and lack of empathy during interactions.

Clinical care receives more positive recognition overall, with many patients praising thorough consultations, professional competence, and compassionate approaches from clinicians. Patients particularly value continuity of care and the dedicated care coordination support available. Online booking and consultation facilities are appreciated where accessible. However, some patients express concerns about rushed appointments, delayed communication, and insufficient attention to medical history prior to consultations.

Administrative processes present recurring difficulties, including errors in appointment scheduling, delayed test results, and unreliable correspondence. Several patients report concerns about the quality of care for complex conditions and feel their health concerns were not adequately investigated or addressed. Despite these challenges, a substantial number of patients express genuine gratitude for the support received and confidence in their clinical care.

Appointment

42.65 %
Poor

Reception

45.32 %
Poor

Cleanliness

55.00 %
Average

Care

62.18 %
Average

Respect

54.28 %
Average

Seen on time

48.93 %
Poor
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