Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a mixed experience with significant variation in service quality across different areas of the practice. Telephone access remains a persistent challenge, with many patients reporting difficulty reaching the practice by phone, extended wait times on hold, and instances of connectivity issues. Reception experience is inconsistent, ranging from courteous and helpful interactions to dismissive and discourteous behaviour that has left some patients feeling unwelcome. Appointment availability and booking processes present ongoing concerns, with patients experiencing long waiting times before being seen, difficulties securing in-person consultations, and challenges navigating the appointment system, particularly for those with inflexible work schedules.

On a positive note, clinical staff are frequently described as professional and competent, with many patients appreciating the welcoming environment and accessible facilities. Several patients have experienced responsive care and continuity with established clinicians, and the practice's digital booking system has been praised for efficiency. However, concerns about follow-up communication and inadequate responsiveness to patient needs appear across multiple reviews, with some patients reporting insufficient follow-up after test results and delayed callback communications.

Organisational issues appear to underpin many service challenges, including disorganisation, poor communication between clinical staff, and limited information sharing with patients. While individual team members often demonstrate helpfulness and courtesy, systemic problems with appointment access, telephone responsiveness, and care coordination suggest the practice would benefit from addressing these operational and administrative aspects to improve overall patient experience.

Appointment

45.23 %
Poor

Reception

48.76 %
Poor

Cleanliness

72.15 %
Great

Care

56.89 %
Average

Respect

51.42 %
Average

Seen on time

48.65 %
Poor

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A

Anonymouse yesterday

Rating

Poor!

  • Appointment

    Poor
  • Reception

    Poor
  • Cleanliness

    Average
  • Care

    Bad
  • Respect

    Average
  • Seen On Time

    Bad

Gp doesn't understand how referral system works

I've been 'seeing' a GP (In the loosest sense because face to face appointments are hard to come by) for some months. After much research I asked to be referred for an assessment. The GP told me that the service I was already under can refer me on. Ispoke to them today...they haven't done this for over a year. So that is more time wasted, and I now have to go back to them to tell them how to do their own job. It doesn't inspire confidence that a GP seems completely clueless about how to refer into the services in their area.

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TT

Tonight T. Google one month ago

Rating

Bad!

Reception staff unhelpful when registering as new patient

I attended the surgery seeking to register as a new patient following a recent relocation to the area. I explained that I required urgent medical attention for blood tests related to a health concern. However, I felt the response I received was dismissive, as I was simply directed to contact my previous medical provider, which was located a considerable distance away. Given my circumstances and the time-sensitive nature of my needs, I found this guidance unhelpful and the manner in which it was delivered left me feeling frustrated.

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SG

Steve G. Google 2 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Efficient booking system and quick appointments

Straightforward and well-organised.

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NN

No N. Google 2 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Reception staff interrupted and unhelpful

Wouldn't recommend this practice. If you ever encounter certain receptionists, I'd suggest hanging up as they interrupt constantly and seem to overstep their role. They come across as unhelpful. As for the clinical staff, they leave you waiting extended periods without medication and prefer to communicate via text rather than providing timely responses.

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AB

Andy B. Google 3 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly reception made me feel welcome

It's a wonderful facility to visit for medical care.

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MK

Mohammed K. Google 3 months ago

Rating

Great!

Better service when you travel further

The quality of care appears to be improving, particularly if you have the ability to visit alternative practice locations.

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JW

Jeff W. Google 3 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Appointment system keeps sending me elsewhere

It appears there may be confusion regarding appointment procedures. When contacting for an appointment, I am frequently directed to alternative locations that are considerably distant from my registered practice, which is inconvenient.

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LS

Linda S. Google 3 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Pharmacist never called back about medication issue

Still waiting for a call from the pharmacy regarding a medication issue that was reported several days ago. The receptionist was contacted early in the morning, but no follow-up communication has been received despite the passage of time.

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JJ

Jeff J. Google 4 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Unhelpful staff kept redirecting to other surgeries

This has been the most disappointing medical experience I have encountered. Every time I call to book an appointment, I am redirected to a different location outside my area because they claim to be unable to manage my health concerns. The level of support has been remarkably unhelpful, and I have never experienced a practice quite like this one. If you do not agree with their recommended approach, they appear to make the process difficult for you. Despite receiving clear guidance from hospital specialists, they seem unwilling to follow this advice, particularly regarding my ongoing medication management. I am actively seeking to transfer my care elsewhere. I would strongly advise others to consider alternative practices rather than registering here.

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CM

Christine M. Google 6 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Good service and felt properly listened to

I have consistently received excellent care and support.

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JF

John F. Google 7 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Smooth booking and friendly service from start to finish

Cannot ask for a better service, still a top service from beginning to end and thank you all.

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A6

Apw 6. Google 8 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Convenient location with easy parking nearby

Pleasant healthcare facility situated in the village area. Convenient parking available nearby in the town centre and positioned adjacent to a pharmacy for easy prescription access.

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FS

Frances S. Google 9 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Refused basic wound care without explanation

Being informed that an appointment to have a procedure removed wasn't available at this location and being directed elsewhere was frustrating. The lack of further guidance on next steps felt unhelpful. The overall experience left me feeling disappointed with the service provided.

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CR

Carl R. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Nurse sorted it quickly when doctors couldn't

I typically wouldn't rate the clinical staff, but I recently called to arrange an appointment for my child. An appointment with the nursing team was available within an hour and a half of my call. The nursing staff member was extremely supportive and helpful. I feel the medical practitioners could benefit from observing the approach and professionalism demonstrated by the nursing team.

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AH

Arthur H. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Couldn't get an appointment for months

I have been attempting to secure an appointment for an extended period, but feel that my requests have been dismissed and I have not received straightforward responses.

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AS

Aga S. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful doctor made me feel heard

There is one particularly excellent healthcare professional at this practice.

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AS

Abbie S. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Staff made me feel welcome and valued

The team members are very pleasant.

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JT

Jonathan T. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Reception staff were dismissive and unhelpful

The practice does not seem to prioritise patient care, and the reception team comes across as dismissive and unapproachable.

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KB

Karl B. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Reception staff wouldn't help when needed

Don't bother! The practice showed no willingness to provide assistance when help was needed.

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PD

Patricia D. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Prescribed medication without investigating the problem

I have been experiencing discomfort for an extended period. The practice has primarily offered pharmaceutical solutions without exploring other options. They have now indicated that further pain management interventions are not available. As a result, I intend to escalate my concerns through the appropriate formal channels regarding the level of care and support provided. If you are seeking comprehensive medical attention, you may wish to consider alternative healthcare providers.

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About the GP

  • Verified GP
  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01740 651238
  • The Surgery Durham Road Ferryhill County Durham DL17 8JJ

Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a mixed experience with significant variation in service quality across different areas of the practice. Telephone access remains a persistent challenge, with many patients reporting difficulty reaching the practice by phone, extended wait times on hold, and instances of connectivity issues. Reception experience is inconsistent, ranging from courteous and helpful interactions to dismissive and discourteous behaviour that has left some patients feeling unwelcome. Appointment availability and booking processes present ongoing concerns, with patients experiencing long waiting times before being seen, difficulties securing in-person consultations, and challenges navigating the appointment system, particularly for those with inflexible work schedules.

On a positive note, clinical staff are frequently described as professional and competent, with many patients appreciating the welcoming environment and accessible facilities. Several patients have experienced responsive care and continuity with established clinicians, and the practice's digital booking system has been praised for efficiency. However, concerns about follow-up communication and inadequate responsiveness to patient needs appear across multiple reviews, with some patients reporting insufficient follow-up after test results and delayed callback communications.

Organisational issues appear to underpin many service challenges, including disorganisation, poor communication between clinical staff, and limited information sharing with patients. While individual team members often demonstrate helpfulness and courtesy, systemic problems with appointment access, telephone responsiveness, and care coordination suggest the practice would benefit from addressing these operational and administrative aspects to improve overall patient experience.

Appointment

45.23 %
Poor

Reception

48.76 %
Poor

Cleanliness

72.15 %
Great

Care

56.89 %
Average

Respect

51.42 %
Average

Seen on time

48.65 %
Poor
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