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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CW

Chloe W. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Struggling to reach surgery on the phone

I have been attempting to secure an appointment since early morning, and despite several hours passing, I remain unable to reach the practice due to difficulties with their updated telephone system.

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SM

Shaun M. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Receptionists were dismissive and unhelpful

This practice has not met my expectations. The reception staff came across as dismissive and condescending during my interactions with them. I felt my concerns were not taken seriously. The appointment system appears to require calling at opening time, which is challenging given my work schedule. It seems access to appointments would be easier if I were available during standard business hours.

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PJ

Peter J. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible phone queues and unhelpful reception staff

This has been the most frustrating experience I've had with a medical practice. Getting through by telephone is incredibly challenging, and when you do manage to connect, you face substantial waiting times. After waiting, you're likely to encounter staff at reception who come across as unhelpful and unable to resolve your concerns. Booking an appointment requires significant commitment, as you must be available to receive a potential call during a wide window of hours, with no guarantee it will arrive. Throughout the waiting process, you're repeatedly directed to use their online portal. However, the website itself appears to have technical issues and seems poorly designed. Overall, the entire process feels inefficient and poorly organised. It seems like a misuse of healthcare resources.

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MZ

Martin Z. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Average!

Busy practice with helpful pharmacy access

A very active medical facility that includes a pharmacy located within the premises.

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SS

Slikbitch54 S. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Doctors who actually listen to you

Excellent healthcare professionals I've experienced.

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DP

Dan P. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Hard to book an appointment here

It can be challenging to secure an appointment at this practice.

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MS

Marie S. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Great!

No queue and a short wait today

A brief visit to the surgery, which most people find rather unpleasant. There was no queue when I arrived and I was called through fairly promptly, though this isn't guaranteed every time, and you can't always tell if longer waits are due to urgent cases being prioritised. The waiting area still maintains good spacing from the pandemic period.

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LA

Lynsey A. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Average!

Hard to reach by phone when you need them

The clinical staff are pleasant and approachable, however accessing the practice by telephone is extremely challenging. It would be concerning if someone had an urgent medical need and was unable to reach the surgery, as the lines are frequently busy or engaged when attempting to make contact.

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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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