Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals a practice with significant operational challenges alongside pockets of clinical excellence. Appointment access remains a persistent concern, with patients reporting difficulty reaching the surgery by phone, lengthy waiting times to connect, and limited availability of slots. The booking experience is frequently described as frustrating, with some patients unable to secure appointments despite multiple attempts. Reception experience emerges as a key issue, with reports of dismissive, discourteous, and unhelpful communication from front desk staff, though some patients have noted exceptional professionalism from individual team members. Prescription coordination presents ongoing difficulties, including delays and communication breakdowns between the practice and pharmacy.

In contrast, clinical care receives consistent praise when patients access it. Doctors and nurses are frequently described as compassionate, professional, and thorough, with several patients expressing gratitude for the quality of medical attention and clinical expertise. The telephone triage system is highlighted positively by some patients as an efficient approach to managing demand. However, the gap between accessing care and receiving it remains problematic, with patients expressing frustration that excellent clinical standards are undermined by barriers to appointment availability and reception courtesy.

The practice appears to operate under significant resource constraints, which some patients acknowledge while others question whether this justifies the service gaps experienced. Concerns about patient confidentiality in the reception area and limited continuity of care are also noted. Overall, the feedback suggests a practice where clinical capability exists but is compromised by access difficulties and inconsistent reception standards.

Appointment

22.67 %
Bad

Reception

28.32 %
Bad

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

52.18 %
Average

Respect

25.89 %
Bad

Seen on time

35.42 %
Poor

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SG

Samantha G. Google 9 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Amazing care and seamless medical experience

Incredible surgical experience and personnel! The blinx form was incredibly user-friendly, and I was pleasantly surprised to receive a prompt phone call and appointment on the same day. The clinician, Tim, was exceptional - he was meticulous, attentive, and made me feel completely comfortable during our consultation. He truly represents the high standards of this practice. Additionally, the follow-up call from GP Dr Wellens was comprehensive and informative, providing clear explanations. I cannot recommend this medical practice highly enough - they are absolutely outstanding!

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HC

Hannah C. Google 9 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating healthcare access with limited evening slots

I attempted to schedule an after-hours consultation at the medical practice, only to discover they have extremely limited availability, with evening slots exclusively on Wednesdays and no openings until late October. It seems utterly impractical that a healthcare provider would restrict patient access to convenient appointment times to just a single weeknight. This approach appears to prioritize the clinic's scheduling preferences over patient needs, which strikes me as fundamentally inconsiderate and poorly designed.

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LJ

Lynne J. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional medical care with quick response time

Despite encountering numerous critical reviews and hearing about unsatisfactory experiences from acquaintances, I find that most complaints seem to be about relatively minor matters. Drawing solely from my personal encounter, I genuinely believe this is an exceptional medical practice. On a Sunday, I experienced a significant health concern. By Monday morning at 8:00, after completing the necessary paperwork, Dr. Sendegeya contacted me by 8:30 and scheduled an appointment for 10:30 that same day. Furthermore, by 4:00 PM, arrangements were made for an MRI to be conducted the following Wednesday. The level of care I received was absolutely outstanding. In my specific case, the triage system performed remarkably effectively. I sincerely hope this high standard of service continues. My heartfelt thanks.

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DC

David C. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Efficient healthcare with caring and responsive staff

It's typical for individuals to remain silent when services meet expectations, but credit should be given where it's warranted. Having experienced multiple healthcare providers previously, I find the online PATCHs system particularly effective for urgent matters. With my heart condition, swift communication is crucial to prevent potential complications, and this practice consistently demonstrates attentiveness. Most team members are genuinely pleasant, though occasionally someone might seem slightly less engaging - which is understandable, as everyone experiences challenging moments. On the whole, I'm satisfied with the care and assistance provided.

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JS

Jayne S. Google 11 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible privacy at this medical office

The front desk staff show a complete disregard for patient confidentiality. The current setup allows conversations to be overheard by everyone in the waiting area, which is unacceptable. The reception desk layout needs immediate redesign to protect patient privacy. Management should prioritize patient experience and actually take staff and customer feedback seriously.

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VJ

Val J. Google 11 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating patches system makes booking appointments impossible

I reached out to the medical practice to schedule a consultation with a general practitioner, as recommended by a healthcare professional I had consulted previously. Upon connecting with the surgery, I was informed about their new Patches system and instructed to register. After completing the registration, I attempted to book an appointment. However, the available time slots vanished within mere minutes. The practice's website claims patients can still contact the appointments helpline for assistance from a receptionist, which creates significant confusion. This Patches system requires serious reevaluation and improvement to ensure patients can effectively access medical appointments.

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DH

Dawn H. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating health check with unhelpful staff

I went for a health check recently and was puzzled by the taped-off reception area. It felt ridiculous having to loudly announce my purpose in front of everyone in Widnes! The receptionist seemed completely disinterested and unenthusiastic about her job. My health check was conducted by Colin, who was possibly the most condescending healthcare professional I've ever encountered. He spoke to me as if I were completely incompetent, constantly wearing a smug expression and treating me like I had no intelligence whatsoever. I'm absolutely certain I will never see him again. Currently, I only require this practice for repeat prescriptions, which is fortunate. However, I want to express my sincere appreciation for Dr Chan, who has consistently been wonderful. He was incredibly patient and compassionate when I recently shared a complex and challenging situation regarding St Helens Hospital. I needed an urgent referral to another specialist hospital, and Dr Chan was truly exceptional. He listened carefully and took proactive steps to help me. Thank you, Dr Chan, for your outstanding support.

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JT

Jake T. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Fir Park medical practice restored my faith

Throughout my past visits to Fir Park, I considered it an unremarkable medical facility, just another standard general practice within the NHS. But this year, my encounters with Dr Nadeem have been transformative. He is absolutely the most exceptional physician I've ever consulted, and his care has completely renewed my confidence in our healthcare system!

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CM

Christopher M. one year ago

Rating

Poor!

  • Appointment

    Bad
  • Reception

    Bad
  • Cleanliness

    Average
  • Care

    Bad
  • Respect

    Average
  • Seen On Time

    Average

15 minutes in queue position 1

Far from acceptable, either reception has only 1 person manning the telephone, or the person manning it loves to chat, ( the second highly unlikely) Either way unnaceptable

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AA

Ali A. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible customer service at medical practice

The front desk staff displayed a dismissive attitude and seemed completely disengaged, failing to comprehend or pay attention to my concerns. When I requested that the practice manager contact me, the receptionist appeared bewildered by my simple request.

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JJ

Jenna J. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst customer service ever avoid at all costs

Utterly unprofessional, discourteous, and callous front desk staff! This establishment urgently requires a complete overhaul of their reception team, not individuals who abruptly terminate phone calls while you're speaking. Completely unacceptable and disgraceful conduct.

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MS

Mark S. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible surgery with zero compassion for patients

The surgical practice is shockingly inadequate. I spent two consecutive days attempting to secure an appointment for my elderly mother, only to find no available slots each time. On another occasion, when my mum was experiencing a severe medication reaction, both my sister and I tried to book an urgent consultation. They insist on using PATCHS, but the system is perpetually full. When I phoned, the receptionist - after an interminable hold - simply repeated that I must use PATCHS and refused to help, despite my explanation of my mother's condition. She showed zero compassion, took no message, and essentially advised me to return the next day and hope for the best. There is absolutely no value in being registered with this practice. Citizens pay their taxes expecting quality healthcare, and while I understand GPs face challenges, I've interacted with several practices, including my own regular surgery, and never encountered such abysmal service. And let me be clear: this isn't about immigration; it's simply a terribly managed facility lacking even basic human empathy towards patients - a fundamental requirement in healthcare. The Care Quality Commission should thoroughly investigate this complete organizational failure, as their service delivery is fundamentally broken.

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DL

David L. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and zero customer care

Absolutely zero assistance provided. The physicians seem competent, but the front desk staff lacks any semblance of customer service or interpersonal communication skills.

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SS

S S. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Horrible healthcare service that left me hopeless

Securing an appointment seems impossible. Their standard response is to direct you to the walk-in centre. During a callback regarding my panic attack, the nurse displayed complete indifference. She callously asked, "Don't you have friends to talk to?" When I mentioned being occupied with work, she sarcastically remarked, "You must be lonely." Her lack of empathy and professional support was shocking. I genuinely felt like I was dying, struggling to breathe. In a more critical scenario, her negligence could have been fatal. The staff's attitude is unacceptable, showing no concern for patients' genuine health struggles. Their approach is utterly disgraceful. They desperately need to review and address these complaints, as the current service is completely unacceptable.

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LM

Larry M. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Fir park staff struggle with basic patient communication

Regrettably, certain staff members at Fir Park fall short of expectations, with the medical professionals particularly disappointing. This morning, a trainee doctor conducted a thorough examination and, after consulting a colleague, determined I required a FIT test for fecal blood, along with additional blood tests, and recommended a hospital referral. He provided me with two forms to submit at reception. Upon approaching the receptionist, I was met with a vacant stare and a bewildered "what?" when attempting to hand over the documents. Rather than responding with sarcasm, I found myself explaining my need for a FIT test and blood tests to her and everyone within listening range. The receptionist ultimately processed the FIT test kit and informed me she would send a link to schedule blood tests elsewhere, as their earliest availability was May 14th. While the appointment system has shown improvement and the doctors remain competent, some staff members appear woefully unprepared to interact with patients, especially those dealing with health concerns. This suggests either inadequate training or personnel unsuited to their roles in a healthcare setting.

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DB

Danielle B. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and rude receptionists at surgery

What an awful medical practice. Utterly dreadful, unprofessional front desk staff who are extremely patronizing, dense, and discourteous. I attempted to schedule an appointment for my elderly, unwell father, who had been hospitalized two weeks ago on end-of-life care but miraculously recovered. He hadn't received any follow-up from his GP, so I visited the surgery with his discharge summary (which they already possessed) and was instructed to submit a triage request, which I did. Since we've heard nothing, I called today only to be condescendingly spoken to by receptionist Ann!! I was merely trying to find a solution to secure an appointment for my dad to prevent another hospital admission, yet I was treated with utter contempt and made to feel completely idiotic. The same disrespectful treatment was also experienced with the receptionist I encountered during my previous visit to the surgery. As an NHS professional myself, I am absolutely disgusted by the treatment and behavior towards the public and those attempting to access healthcare services. Ann clearly lacks the necessary skills and qualities for a patient-facing role and would be far more suitable in a position requiring minimal professionalism, interpersonal skills, and empathy.

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JK

Jo K. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical experience ever nightmare healthcare

Absolutely dreadful experience Staff display zero professionalism Receptionists are dismissive Doctors equally inadequate I suffer from a complex bone condition Frequently left without essential medication Repeatedly reduced to tears during phone calls Complete lack of support and compassion Stay away at all costs Mrs j Kenyon

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KK

Katie K. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical experience ever terrible service

Steer clear of this place - securing a booking is nearly impossible, and the personnel are discourteous, showing zero compassion or consideration for patients.

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VW

Vivienne W. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating service with endless scheduling headaches

Scheduling a consultation here is like trying to catch smoke with a net - utterly impossible. Every time I attempt to book a slot, I'm met with endless unavailability and frustration. Their appointment system seems designed to discourage patients rather than accommodate them.

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AM

Al M. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Efficient booking system saves time for busy patients

The updated scheduling platform is incredibly convenient for professionals. I submitted my appointment request early this morning and received a prompt follow-up call shortly after. The medical staff here, including doctors and nurses, consistently provide exceptional care and service.

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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 0151 4232990
  • Fir Park Medical Centre Upton Rocks Widnes Cheshire WA8 9DT

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals a practice with significant operational challenges alongside pockets of clinical excellence. Appointment access remains a persistent concern, with patients reporting difficulty reaching the surgery by phone, lengthy waiting times to connect, and limited availability of slots. The booking experience is frequently described as frustrating, with some patients unable to secure appointments despite multiple attempts. Reception experience emerges as a key issue, with reports of dismissive, discourteous, and unhelpful communication from front desk staff, though some patients have noted exceptional professionalism from individual team members. Prescription coordination presents ongoing difficulties, including delays and communication breakdowns between the practice and pharmacy.

In contrast, clinical care receives consistent praise when patients access it. Doctors and nurses are frequently described as compassionate, professional, and thorough, with several patients expressing gratitude for the quality of medical attention and clinical expertise. The telephone triage system is highlighted positively by some patients as an efficient approach to managing demand. However, the gap between accessing care and receiving it remains problematic, with patients expressing frustration that excellent clinical standards are undermined by barriers to appointment availability and reception courtesy.

The practice appears to operate under significant resource constraints, which some patients acknowledge while others question whether this justifies the service gaps experienced. Concerns about patient confidentiality in the reception area and limited continuity of care are also noted. Overall, the feedback suggests a practice where clinical capability exists but is compromised by access difficulties and inconsistent reception standards.

Appointment

22.67 %
Bad

Reception

28.32 %
Bad

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

52.18 %
Average

Respect

25.89 %
Bad

Seen on time

35.42 %
Poor
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