Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reflects a mixed experience with notable contrasts in service quality across different areas. Clinical staff consistently receive praise for their knowledge, courtesy, and compassionate approach, with many patients expressing appreciation for the care and support provided during consultations. However, significant challenges persist with access and administration. Telephone contact remains extremely difficult, with busy lines and lengthy wait times creating barriers to reaching the practice, particularly concerning for urgent medical needs. Appointment availability is frequently cited as challenging, with patients reporting extended waits, limited online booking slots, and complex booking procedures that disadvantage those unable to call during opening hours or check systems repeatedly. Reception experiences are inconsistent, with some staff praised for helpfulness while others are described as dismissive or unhelpful. Administrative processes show recurring issues including delays with repeat prescriptions, technical problems with online portals, and inefficient handling of patient communications. Waiting times for appointments and in-person visits vary, and pharmacy services receive mixed feedback. Several patients note that the practice's systems appear disorganised and inaccessible, particularly for those with work commitments or limited digital confidence.

Positive experiences centre on clinical competence, genuine care, and supportive interactions during appointments. Some patients report straightforward booking experiences and efficient urgent care responses. The practice benefits from having an integrated pharmacy and generally maintains welcoming premises. However, the gap between clinical service quality and administrative accessibility represents a significant concern, with patients expressing frustration about the mismatch between the practice's recruitment efforts and its actual capacity to provide timely access to care.

Appointment

42.65 %
Poor

Reception

54.32 %
Average

Cleanliness

71.50 %
Great

Care

72.18 %
Great

Respect

59.28 %
Average

Seen on time

61.43 %
Average

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JM

James M. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff who actually help with queries

The team here are really approachable and provide excellent support whenever you have questions or need to arrange an appointment 👍👍

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SS

Sandra S. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate support through difficult times

A clinician at the practice was there for me during an incredibly difficult period when I experienced significant personal losses within a short timeframe. I don't know where I would have been without their support during that time.

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BN

Brinley N. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Average!

Busy surgery but appointments take forever

The practice is quite hectic, though the service pace could be faster.

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AM

Alison M. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Reception team listens and takes their time

The reception staff are very supportive and make an effort to hear what you have to say. How long you wait when calling varies depending on when you ring. The clinical team consistently take time to listen and I have never experienced feeling hurried. The wider support staff are pleasant as well. They clearly make a genuine effort to work alongside patients despite the practice seeing an increasing number of people. I would like to express my appreciation to everyone on the team. The pharmacy next to the surgery is disappointing compared to others in the area.

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ER

Estelle R. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Receptionist wouldn't pass on my mental health concern

I attended my appointment seeking support for my anxiety and mental health concerns. Unfortunately, I felt that the receptionist did not adequately communicate my needs to the clinical team, and I was disappointed with the level of care I received. I felt that my concerns were not taken seriously, and I would have appreciated a more compassionate approach from the reception staff. Based on my experience, I would hesitate to recommend this practice to others.

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J_

J_x _. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Great!

Reception team's friendliness made a real difference

I am satisfied with the care I receive here. There is some waiting time to reach someone by phone and to be seen by my regular GP, though this appears consistent with other practices I have experience of from previous work. The reception staff have shown notable improvement recently, displaying friendliness and courtesy without making me feel rushed, which may indicate staffing changes. Same-day telephone and face-to-face appointments are readily available when required. The premises are well-maintained. The car park is modest in size but I have always found parking available during my visits. The only factor preventing a top rating is the several-week wait sometimes needed to see my regular GP.

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CL

Chris L. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Slow appointment booking and disorganised service

The service was disappointing and lacked efficiency. The practice appeared disorganised.

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LP

Luna P. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Phone lines always busy but staff are helpful

I have consistently had positive experiences at this practice with excellent healthcare professionals. My only concern is that the telephone lines tend to be quite congested and difficult to get through on.

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DW

David W. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Long waits despite ready notification texts

This pharmacy location has significant issues with service efficiency. There appears to be inconsistent treatment of different patients, with some receiving priority while others experience lengthy delays. Even when notified that prescriptions are ready, customers report waiting considerable periods. The service experience at this branch compares unfavourably to other local pharmacy locations, and switching to an alternative venue may provide a better experience.

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KR

Kizzy R. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Long phone queues make appointments impossible

I have been a patient at this practice for over two decades and am disappointed with the current situation. The telephone system appears overwhelmed with significant wait times reported, and there are concerns about calls being disconnected before reaching someone.

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KE

Kimberley E. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Administrative team made getting help unnecessarily difficult

Disappointing experience overall. The administrative staff proved particularly challenging and frustrating to interact with, and the patient care coordinator's performance fell short of expectations. On the infrequent occasions when appointments with clinical staff were secured, the care provided did not align with what had been communicated beforehand. The experience felt wholly inadequate, and the practice appeared to prioritize neglect over support for those dependent on their services. While the clinical team may have possessed strong capabilities, a lack of empathy in their approach combined with an apparent attitude of superiority among some reception staff made the experience of seeking help during periods of ill health distressing, unsatisfactory, and seemingly counterproductive to overall wellbeing.

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CB

Camando B. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Long wait times before appointments available

Unfortunately there are lengthy delays in obtaining appointments, which raises concerns about the timeliness of care.

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RC

Richard C. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Prescription delays caused frustrating multiple visits

Submitted a prescription request to the surgery on Monday, then visited the chemist on Friday morning only to be informed to return after 2pm. Returned after 2 to be told to come back Saturday before noon. Went Saturday and received part of the prescription, with two items unavailable and instructions to call back Monday. Called Monday to learn one item was ready, then called back Tuesday to collect the final item. Found the process frustrating and questioned the necessity of certain procedures.

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HS

Harry S. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Reception staff made us feel genuinely welcome

Excellent practice with a welcoming reception team and outstanding clinical staff who demonstrate genuine care for their patients. The clinicians are meticulous in their approach to diagnosis and treatment, and they make a real effort to provide clear explanations. A recently joined clinician has proven to be exceptionally knowledgeable and supportive. The practice is a valuable asset to the local community.

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IR

Isa R. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Receptionist gatekeeping makes appointments impossible

The practice has significant issues with accessibility. Attempting to secure a doctor's appointment has proven extremely difficult, requiring initial contact with reception staff followed by a telephone consultation to determine if an in-person visit is necessary. The subsequent callback with an actual appointment slot took several days, with a further week-long wait before being seen. This extended timeframe is concerning for patients experiencing health difficulties. Eventually, alternative urgent care services had to be accessed, which appeared to be under considerable strain. A thorough review of the appointment system and patient access procedures would be beneficial, as the current arrangements do not adequately serve patient needs.

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CW

Christine W. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Great!

Friendly staff who genuinely try to help

The team members were approachable and made efforts to assist with my needs.

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RI

Rebecca I. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Easy to book appointments with friendly staff

I find it straightforward to book appointments at this practice, and the clinical staff are approachable and welcoming.

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JB

John B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Clean surgery with helpful reception staff

A very tidy and supportive medical practice.

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PO

Pete O. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Receptionists didn't listen to my concerns

The reception staff experience was not satisfactory and felt inefficient.

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DH

Drake H. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Online booking let down by poor call handling

I scheduled an appointment online a fortnight in advance for the earliest available slot. The practice attempted to contact me earlier than my requested time while I was occupied with work commitments. A message was left asking me to return the call. After holding for a considerable period, I was informed that I would need to arrange a new appointment. While I recognise the pressures the practice faces, I found this outcome frustrating. These situations involve people's health and wellbeing, which I feel should be handled with greater flexibility.

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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01325 460731
  • Denmark Street Surgery Denmark Street Darlington County Durham DL3 0PD

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reflects a mixed experience with notable contrasts in service quality across different areas. Clinical staff consistently receive praise for their knowledge, courtesy, and compassionate approach, with many patients expressing appreciation for the care and support provided during consultations. However, significant challenges persist with access and administration. Telephone contact remains extremely difficult, with busy lines and lengthy wait times creating barriers to reaching the practice, particularly concerning for urgent medical needs. Appointment availability is frequently cited as challenging, with patients reporting extended waits, limited online booking slots, and complex booking procedures that disadvantage those unable to call during opening hours or check systems repeatedly. Reception experiences are inconsistent, with some staff praised for helpfulness while others are described as dismissive or unhelpful. Administrative processes show recurring issues including delays with repeat prescriptions, technical problems with online portals, and inefficient handling of patient communications. Waiting times for appointments and in-person visits vary, and pharmacy services receive mixed feedback. Several patients note that the practice's systems appear disorganised and inaccessible, particularly for those with work commitments or limited digital confidence.

Positive experiences centre on clinical competence, genuine care, and supportive interactions during appointments. Some patients report straightforward booking experiences and efficient urgent care responses. The practice benefits from having an integrated pharmacy and generally maintains welcoming premises. However, the gap between clinical service quality and administrative accessibility represents a significant concern, with patients expressing frustration about the mismatch between the practice's recruitment efforts and its actual capacity to provide timely access to care.

Appointment

42.65 %
Poor

Reception

54.32 %
Average

Cleanliness

71.50 %
Great

Care

72.18 %
Great

Respect

59.28 %
Average

Seen on time

61.43 %
Average
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