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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AH

Amanda H. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Rather visit the dog's vet instead

I would prefer to seek care elsewhere for my healthcare needs.

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DB

Dale B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Average!

Long phone queues need urgent improvement

The telephone system could benefit from improvement, as wait times in the queue are quite lengthy.

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SS

Stephen S. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Walked in and seen straight away

Arrived promptly and was seen at the scheduled time.

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MC

Matt C. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Great!

Busy surgery with helpful pharmacy service

A very good medical practice that manages to handle busy periods well, with a reliable pharmacy service.

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KB

Kim B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to book an appointment here

Unable to secure an appointment. Extremely frustrating. Questioning what healthcare contributions are being used for. Access appears limited unless facing a life-threatening situation. Considering switching to a different practice.

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TS

Tpys S. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Prompt response to my health concern

Excellent and prompt care received

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MT

Majik T. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to book a follow-up appointment

I have been attempting for more than a month to arrange a medical review for my condition. I was provided with a month's supply of medication and instructed to schedule a follow-up appointment, but I have experienced persistent difficulties getting through to the practice. On the occasions when I do manage to make contact, all available appointments have already been booked. I have been advised to call back at a specific time, but this has resulted in the same problem recurring. This situation is becoming increasingly frustrating and I am exhausted by the ongoing difficulties in accessing the care I need.

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SG

Stephen G. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Repeat prescriptions ignored, appointments hard to book

I have experienced ongoing challenges over several years with the administrative team addressing my repeat medication requests. My communications and formal complaints appear to go unaddressed, and the clinical staff do not seem to intervene to resolve these issues. Additionally, the appointment booking system now only allows reservations within a seven-day window, which means available slots are taken very quickly. When I do manage to secure an appointment, I am informed that consultations are limited to ten minutes. During one visit, I felt rushed through the end of my appointment while gathering my belongings and discussing my medications. When I requested a more thorough investigation into my health concerns, I was advised this was not required and that my expectations were typical for someone in my age group. I found this response concerning and felt it reflected unfair treatment based on age. The overall quality of care at this practice has declined noticeably over the past five years, and I would consider transferring to another provider if the option were available to me.

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GH

George H. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Slow appointment booking process needs improvement

The practice could benefit from improvements to its efficiency and responsiveness.

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JH

John H. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly reception made the visit pleasant

Excellent

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MC

Mike C. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Great!

Pleasant staff despite tight car parking

I'm aware that medical professionals face criticism these days, but the team here are friendly and the clinicians clearly have good knowledge. The car park facilities are somewhat limited.

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TB

Tom B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Couldn't get through on the phone

Unable to reach by telephone and no availability for appointments.

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JW

Jj W. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful staff who really listen and care

Always supportive and compassionate. I feel fortunate to be a patient at this practice. Well done to everyone as your role is clearly demanding. People do value the work you do. Thank you!

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DB

Dorothy B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Staff were friendly and quick to see me

The staff were pleasant and I was attended to promptly.

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DS

David S. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Slow prescription service needs improvement

The prescription service took longer than expected to process.

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MK

Mike K. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Prompt and efficient annual review appointment

Everything proceeded smoothly during my yearly appointment, which was conducted promptly and with good efficiency. Much appreciated.

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SV

Skaiste V. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Impossible to reach or book appointments

It is difficult to reach this practice or secure an appointment slot. The pharmacy service presents similar challenges.

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PB

Paul B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Receptionist helped resolve my complex issue

Complex issue sorted by an excellent member of the reception team.

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JS

Jan S. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Happy to be a patient here

A satisfactory medical practice. Content with my patient status here.

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MJ

Michael J. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick appointments and caring medical professionals

It is simpler to secure an appointment at this practice compared to other surgeries where lengthy waiting periods are common, and the clinical staff are very pleasant.

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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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