Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals a practice with significant challenges in appointment access and booking systems, alongside pockets of excellent clinical care. Patients consistently report difficulties reaching the practice by telephone due to busy lines, lengthy wait times for available slots, and frustration with online booking systems that frequently show no availability. Medication collection delays, unclear communication, and inconsistent service quality feature prominently in negative feedback. Reception experience varies considerably, with some patients praising helpful and professional staff while others describe dismissive attitudes and barriers to accessing care.

In contrast, clinical and nursing staff receive frequent praise for compassionate, thorough, and professional care. Many patients highlight positive experiences with appointment responsiveness during genuine emergencies and appreciate the supportive approach of medical professionals. The practice maintains good cleanliness standards and some patients report straightforward processes for repeat medications and efficient same-day urgent care when accessed.

Key concerns centre on appointment availability, the effectiveness of triage and online consultation systems, and reception staff interactions. While the clinical team demonstrates strong capability, systemic issues around booking, communication, and administrative processes appear to significantly impact overall patient experience. Some patients report improvement in recent months, though access challenges remain a persistent theme across the feedback.

Appointment

38.94 %
Poor

Reception

48.76 %
Poor

Cleanliness

68.50 %
Great

Care

62.18 %
Average

Respect

52.41 %
Average

Seen on time

45.67 %
Poor

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SM

Sebastian M. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Booking appointments here is nearly impossible

Getting an appointment at this practice feels nearly impossible due to consistent overbooking issues.

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JE

Jemma E. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Hard to reach by phone for appointments

It is difficult to reach the practice by telephone as the lines are frequently engaged, which makes scheduling an appointment challenging. Additionally, some members of staff could be more courteous in their interactions with patients.

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TR

Terri R. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Phone consultations lacked focus and understanding

Had two phone consultations where the healthcare provider discussed another patient's medical matters and failed to address my own concerns. Extremely disappointed with this experience.

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RG

Ryan G. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to reach by phone

Unable to reach the practice by phone as the line continuously beeps for extended periods.

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JG

Judith G. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Struggling to book appointments by phone

It is difficult to secure appointments through the online system, and I have experienced lengthy waits for availability. The practice appears to require telephone booking, though getting through can be challenging due to high call volumes. This booking process could be improved.

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VV

Val V. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Never going back to this practice

Unsatisfactory experience. Would not return.

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JB

Jason B. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful and kind reception staff made all the difference

I have received excellent care at this practice. The staff have been very supportive and compassionate throughout my visits.

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EJ

Emilie J. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Great!

Hard to book appointments but worth the wait

I really appreciate the quality of care and the team at this practice. The only drawback is the difficulty in securing appointment slots, but aside from that, they provide excellent service.

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CA

Caroline A. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful phone callbacks when appointments full

When I contact the practice and cannot get an immediate appointment, they arrange for a callback and I have consistently been able to secure a slot. Excellent service.

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KM

Keith M. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Out of hours appointments available when needed

Simply request an out of hours appointment and they will arrange one for you in the evening. I have received phone calls to inform me of my test results. They are absolutely brilliant x

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SR

Shirley R. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Average!

Hard to book appointments while working

It can be challenging to secure an appointment, particularly when working. When calling ahead, the response is typically a callback in the morning rather than immediate availability. I am on a blood-thinning medication and was advised by my pharmacist to consult my GP, but this is difficult to arrange due to having to wait until the following day if I am at work. I am unsure how to resolve this situation.

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WD

Wiskey D. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Great!

Difficult to book appointments, poor admin support

Scheduling appointments proves challenging, and obtaining results is equally difficult. The administrative processes require improvement, though the clinical staff are competent.

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PR

Paul R. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Loyal patient for decades, genuinely caring practice

I have been a patient for over four decades and would not have stayed if it were not for the quality of care provided at this practice. I consider it to be among the very best.

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LW

Louise W. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Great!

Always able to get emergency appointments same day

When I have needed urgent care, I have consistently been able to access an appointment on the same day.

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JS

John S. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Phone lines constantly busy and frustrating

The telephone line is frequently busy, and once you do get through, there is an extended automated message that plays before you can reach a member of staff.

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DB

David B. Google 9 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Doctors who actually listen to you

Excellent medical professionals

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EA

Eric A. Google 9 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff made me feel welcome

I have consistently received outstanding care and support from the entire team at this practice.

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KH

Kerri H. Google 10 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Struggling to get referrals for my children

I frequently attend appointments, often on a weekly or fortnightly basis, bringing my three children. However, I feel the consultations do not lead to the outcomes I am seeking. I am consistently told there are no significant concerns and advised to manage symptoms at home. I find it frustrating that obtaining a referral to a specialist or arranging allergy testing appears to be difficult. In my view, these should be more straightforward processes, particularly when children are involved.

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JF

Johanna F. Google 10 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Long waits for prescription collection need fixing

The wait time to collect medication after submitting a prescription well in advance has been disappointing. My husband waited considerably longer than expected and needed to remind staff multiple times before his tablets were ready. This has been a recurring issue on several visits, with waits consistently exceeding what seems reasonable. The practice appeared disorganised during this visit. Improvements to the collection process would be beneficial.

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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01207 583400
  • Consett Medical Centre Station Yard Consett County Durham DH8 5YA

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals a practice with significant challenges in appointment access and booking systems, alongside pockets of excellent clinical care. Patients consistently report difficulties reaching the practice by telephone due to busy lines, lengthy wait times for available slots, and frustration with online booking systems that frequently show no availability. Medication collection delays, unclear communication, and inconsistent service quality feature prominently in negative feedback. Reception experience varies considerably, with some patients praising helpful and professional staff while others describe dismissive attitudes and barriers to accessing care.

In contrast, clinical and nursing staff receive frequent praise for compassionate, thorough, and professional care. Many patients highlight positive experiences with appointment responsiveness during genuine emergencies and appreciate the supportive approach of medical professionals. The practice maintains good cleanliness standards and some patients report straightforward processes for repeat medications and efficient same-day urgent care when accessed.

Key concerns centre on appointment availability, the effectiveness of triage and online consultation systems, and reception staff interactions. While the clinical team demonstrates strong capability, systemic issues around booking, communication, and administrative processes appear to significantly impact overall patient experience. Some patients report improvement in recent months, though access challenges remain a persistent theme across the feedback.

Appointment

38.94 %
Poor

Reception

48.76 %
Poor

Cleanliness

68.50 %
Great

Care

62.18 %
Average

Respect

52.41 %
Average

Seen on time

45.67 %
Poor
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