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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IM

Ian M. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Nightmare booking a doctor's appointment

Securing a medical consultation here is an exercise in pure frustration. I've just wasted an entire hour listening to busy signals and then languishing in a phone queue starting at position 10. After finally connecting, I was informed that all appointments for the day are fully booked. When I suggested scheduling for tomorrow or later in the week, I was stunned to learn that pre-booking isn't possible and I'll need to restart this entire exhausting process again tomorrow!!! It's essentially a random chance game. I'm completely baffled about how I'm supposed to actually see a physician. The receptionist's cavalier response was to recommend the walk-in centre, delivered with that characteristic dismissive tone typical of medical office staff. Service is abysmal at best.

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SB

Sarah B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service from once-great medical practice

I've been a patient at this medical practice for close to two decades, and I'm utterly disheartened by its current state of operations. Getting an appointment was an ordeal that consumed nearly an hour of my time, and when I finally reached someone, the receptionist was discourteous. With no available slots, I was forced to queue outside the next day (a luxury not everyone can afford). Upon securing a telephone consultation, the doctor displayed a complete lack of compassion and was evidently rushing through the interaction. It's truly disappointing, as this practice was once renowned for its excellent service.

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JB

John B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional care and compassion from caring staff

Twice now, the front desk staff have demonstrated exceptional flexibility, helping my wife and me despite having no open time slots. What truly stands out is how they handled our requests with warmth, courtesy, and sincere compassion. While the healthcare system is undeniably under immense pressure, the quality of service at this practice remains outstanding. They deserve high praise, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude.

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SS

Sanjay S. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Caring medical centre despite challenging appointment times

This healthcare facility is exceptional and I wholeheartedly endorse it. Given the current nationwide shortage of general practitioners, the team here goes above and beyond to accommodate new patient bookings, despite the significant challenges. Once you've completed the initial screening and meet with a physician, you'll find them comprehensive, approachable, and empathetic. Even with their busy schedule, consultations never feel hurried or impersonal. I'm truly appreciative that the medical centre and pharmacy are located together, which is incredibly convenient for managing my two ongoing health conditions that demand consistent medical attention.

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SS

Slydog S. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and rude staff avoid at all costs

Completely unbelievable. They desperately need at least one competent front desk staff. It's impossible to get through to them. When you finally do manage to connect, they treat you with utter contempt, like you're beneath them. Scheduling an appointment is a futile endeavor. The whole operation is an absolute embarrassment.

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TJ

Tracy J. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Longtime patient shocked by unexpected poor service

Throughout my two decades as a patient here, I've routinely undergone surgical procedures approximately annually and have consistently been satisfied with the care provided. Nevertheless, during my initial appointment at Fir Park Medical Centre (previously known as Appleton Surgery), I was shocked by the discourteous and remarkably insensitive behavior displayed by a staff member. The encounter was deeply distressing and completely inconsistent with the professional standards one would anticipate from a front desk representative, especially when interacting with individuals who are unwell.

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EG

Edward G. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Frustrating phone system ruins healthcare experience

Spent over an hour on the phone without securing an appointment, with the line constantly busy and excessive wait times. This system desperately requires immediate improvement. I must commend Bev and the other staff members for their excellent service, but the outdated booking process for this new medical practice needs a complete overhaul.

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LH

Louise H. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional healthcare service through decades of care

I've been a patient at this medical practice for over four decades, and I can genuinely state that from the front desk staff to the top-tier professionals, they are truly exceptional. Everyone is consistently courteous, attentive, and supportive throughout my interactions with them.

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EL

Elliott L. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and impossible to book appointments

Can't schedule a consultation to save my life. The phone line is perpetually jammed, and on the rare occasion I manage to connect, I'm cut off before I can even utter a single syllable. Deeply disappointed with this medical practice and wish I'd never signed up.

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SB

Sue B. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service leading to missed critical medication

I've submitted two separate repeat prescription requests for critical medication, and they've completely ignored them. As a result, I've missed three days of medication during a period when I was meant to gradually reduce my dosage, which is absolutely unacceptable.

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PH

Pauline H. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible experience with unprofessional and heartless service

Steer clear of signing up. Appalling customer service with extremely discourteous administrative personnel who display zero empathy. STAY AWAY STAY AWAY STAY AWAY

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HC

Howard C. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating experience with broken medical helpline

Experienced a vehicular collision. Seeking medical consultation. Dysfunctional lottery contact platform is problematic.

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SR

Sarah R. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional care from bev and her medical team

Bev at the front desk is absolutely incredible, always willing to assist and never finding any request too challenging. She's a delightful person, and I'm truly grateful. Every single physician I've encountered here has been equally wonderful, providing exceptional support and care.

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AS

Andrew S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible healthcare with incompetent staff and lost meds

Forced to select the lowest rating since zero isn't an option. Fortunately, I'm not a patient here, but my parents are stuck dealing with this nightmare. Looking for a medical practice with clueless front desk employees, physicians who use COVID as an excuse to avoid patient care, and a complete inability to manage medication prescriptions? Then this place is perfect for you. If you value competent healthcare, I strongly recommend finding a different practice.

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LC

Louise C. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and rudeness at medical center

The reception staff are absolutely horrendous, incredibly rude and completely dismissive. They literally turn their backs and walk away whenever you attempt to ask any questions, even during a COVID appointment where the waiting room was entirely empty, and I waited over 40 minutes past my scheduled time. After 30 minutes, I was instructed to find someone, but every time I tried to speak with staff, they would immediately turn away and ignore me as if I didn't exist. I was then directed to collect my prescription from the pharmacy. After they looked up my details, I was told there would be an hour-long wait. An hour later, they claimed no prescription existed at all. I then witnessed the pharmacy assistant announcing her closure to another customer at 7:30 pm and directing a subsequent customer to return in 30 minutes, which would be after her stated closing time. The only saving grace is that the doctors themselves are absolutely fantastic.

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JH

Jill H. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Great medical service that truly saves time

I'm thoroughly impressed with how this medical practice operates. Their telephone triage system is top-notch, ensuring prompt callback and swift appointment scheduling when required. This approach effectively filters out unnecessary visits and allows me to receive medical guidance efficiently without having to physically come to the clinic for minor concerns.

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AF

Amy F. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical experience ever with uncaring staff

This medical practice harbors the most disregarding physicians I've encountered. They completely disregard patient concerns, attempting to rationalize or suggest you're exaggerating, and are particularly ineffective at providing guidance on obtaining necessary care. Their clinic operates with extremely restricted availability, appears understaffed, and prescription access is severely limited. I'm experiencing significant discomfort following ankle surgery and find myself unable to secure an urgent consultation with a doctor via telephone (given my current inability to independently move or travel!) to address my medical issues.

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LM

Larry M. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating healthcare runaround leaves patient exhausted

Awarding another single star since the zero-star option isn't available. Received a prescription, but the pharmacy claimed they couldn't source the medication, directing me back to my GP. I contacted the surgery, who insisted I return to the pharmacy, which I refused. Later, I attempted to file a complaint with the Care Quality Commission but was placed on hold. When the representative returned, she suggested I speak with the local manager instead. Frustrated, I lost my composure and subsequently submitted a written complaint. The ironic result is that I've been issued a warning for supposedly distressing the receptionist... Let's see what unfolds next...

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MR

Mary R. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional care from start to finish at clinic

I cannot emphasize enough the exceptional level of care I experienced during my surgical procedure. Every staff member, from the front desk personnel to the medical professionals and physicians, provided outstanding service. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude and encourage you to continue delivering such high-quality care.

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KQ

Karen Q. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional healthcare with compassionate and skilled professionals

I am deeply grateful to the entire team at this medical facility. Throughout my time here, I have consistently received exceptional care without any cause for complaint.

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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
Filter

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