Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals a practice facing significant operational challenges, with appointment access emerging as the dominant concern across reviews. Patients report extended waiting periods to reach the surgery by phone, difficulty securing appointments through the booking system, and frustration with inflexible scheduling that does not accommodate working patients. Several long-standing patients describe a marked deterioration in service quality over recent years, citing staffing pressures and system failures. Communication gaps are evident, with patients noting unclear information about procedures, test results, and follow-up care.

Despite these systemic issues, individual practitioners and reception staff receive consistent praise for clinical competence, professionalism, and courtesy. Patients highlight positive experiences with specific doctors and nurses who demonstrate genuine care and attention. The online booking system, when accessible, is noted as convenient. Some newer patients report smooth initial experiences with welcoming reception and prompt appointment availability.

The practice appears caught between resource constraints affecting access and responsiveness, and pockets of excellent individual care delivery. Concerns about staffing levels, system organisation, and the ability to accommodate patient needs feature prominently, contrasting with appreciation for the professionalism and compassion shown by available clinical staff.

Appointment

18.57 %
Bad

Reception

28.57 %
Bad

Cleanliness

50.00 %
Average

Care

35.71 %
Poor

Respect

25.71 %
Bad

Seen on time

22.86 %
Bad

Filter

EE

Edward E. 6 months ago

Rating

Bad!

  • Appointment

    Bad
  • Reception

    Bad
  • Cleanliness

    Bad
  • Care

    Bad
  • Respect

    Bad
  • Seen On Time

    Bad

Worst practice ever

Had to heart attacks and and very bad chest infection.need an emergency pack of antibiotics but told I would have to wait 5days minimum to get them.very very unhelpful.worst surgery in Eastbourne.

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A

Anonymouse 6 months ago

Rating

Average!

  • Appointment

    Bad
  • Reception

    Bad
  • Cleanliness

    Excellent
  • Care

    Bad
  • Respect

    Excellent
  • Seen On Time

    Average

Awful service since moved to patches

I have tried to see a Dr face to face since August to no avail. They look at photos I've sent instead of seeing me face to face so resorted to walk in centre where a Dr saw me within 5 minutes & prescribed me antibiotics for extreme blepharitis that my gp 'guessed' was eczema. This practice used to be exceptional- sadly, no more

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EB

Ertan B. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating healthcare that leaves patients feeling helpless

Their appointment scheduling process is absolutely ridiculous. All the general practitioners seem identical. The UK healthcare system is fundamentally broken! It's clear they're deliberately pushing towards privatization.

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NJ

Nigel J. Google 11 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional healthcare service at grove road surgery

After relocating to Eastbourne, I decided to visit Grove Road Surgery for the first time. I managed to secure both a personal consultation with a physician and a blood test on the very morning I made my initial phone inquiry. The entire staff - from the receptionist to the nurse and doctor - demonstrated exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine compassion. The practice's overall efficiency was truly impressive in every aspect. My sincere appreciation goes out to the entire team.

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KB

Keith B. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and unacceptable patient care delays

I attempted to contact the surgery today to schedule a phone consultation regarding my recent ENT report and MRI scan results. Incredibly frustrating to be informed that it takes 3 weeks to scan results into their system and appointments can only be made on the day! The practice continues to accept more patients (I've personally witnessed receptionists handing out forms multiple times) while being unable to accommodate long-standing patients. Since Vita Health took over, the service has deteriorated even further. It's no surprise people end up in A and E. On June 24th, I discovered the road was fully operational after an incident - shops open, people enjoying coffee outside, traffic and pedestrians moving normally. Yet bizarrely, the surgery claimed they were closed and staff had been evacuated due to the incident. Curiously, Tesco and other businesses were running as usual. Was this genuinely about patient safety, an overreaction, or simply an opportunistic day off? Regardless, it doesn't help reduce already extensive waiting lists. Bravo, Vita Health! On a positive note, both my wife and I recently saw Dr. Cotta, who is a wonderful gentleman and exceptional physician.

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KE

Karin E. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service putting elderly patients at risk

Utterly dismal. Zero stars would be my rating if possible. My elderly mother battling a chest infection was met with complete indifference, and getting past the front desk felt like an insurmountable challenge. This level of care is deeply disgraceful and warrants serious criticism.

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PK

Peter K. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Dangerous hospital with shocking patient neglect

Absolutely neglectful towards patient welfare and well-being. The Care Quality Commission should definitely be stepping in and placing this facility under strict oversight and mandatory improvement protocols.

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MT

Mary T. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating healthcare that fails patient needs and privacy

This medical practice shows no consideration for patients with regular employment, particularly those commuting or working in shared office spaces during the morning appointment booking window. Their inflexible system prevents scheduling consultations in advance, unlike dental practices. Despite being a long-standing patient who hasn't seen a doctor in over a year, I'm unable to obtain a repeat prescription without an in-person consultation. When blood test results arrive via text message indicating high cholesterol, they merely provide a generic dietary advice link, even though I'm already following recommended guidelines. No follow-up appointment is offered to discuss the results, leaving patients in uncertainty about their health status. Will they only intervene after a serious medical event like a stroke or heart attack?

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LV

Lindsey V. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Great service at new medical practice

I recently registered with this medical practice and was immediately impressed by the welcoming and supportive front desk staff. The receptionist thoroughly explained their booking process and suggested I ring back around noon to schedule an appointment. When I called at the suggested time, I was promptly given a slot at 5:10pm (truly exceptional service). This was a stark contrast to my previous experience at Princes Park Health Centre, where I had unsuccessfully attempted to secure an appointment for two consecutive months. The Healthcare Practitioner (Danny) was outstanding. He conducted a comprehensive examination, had meticulously reviewed my medical history before I entered his consultation room, and demonstrated remarkable compassion throughout. I departed the surgery with a prescription in hand.

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AP

Anastasia P. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional healthcare with compassionate and attentive doctors

Consistently incredibly supportive, with seamless scheduling and practitioners who genuinely pay attention to your concerns. Without a doubt, this is the most exceptional medical practice I've ever encountered!

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DD

Dancerman1138 D. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating blood test experience with unhelpful system

I showed up precisely on time for my 9:40 blood test, checked in twice, and the machine acknowledged my presence. Despite this, I endured a frustrating 45-minute wait before finally getting the attention of the sole receptionist, who was preoccupied with typing up patient conversations—a seemingly futile task. She mentioned I had been called, yet nothing appeared on the display board. While she offered an apology, I subsequently received a critical text message accusing me of missing the appointment. The takeaway: always check in with a human rather than relying on a machine. To be clear, the receptionist wasn't at fault—it's the Vita health staff who are completely incompetent.

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PK

Peter K. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service destroyed my mental health journey

I feel completely disregarded by their lack of concern for my physical and psychological well-being, which has left me feeling utterly hopeless and disconnected from any sense of care or support.

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JC

John C. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and impossible to get care

The medical practice has deteriorated significantly in recent times, making scheduling an appointment nearly impossible. The front desk staff consistently display a dismissive and discourteous demeanor, showing little concern for patients. After undergoing COPD examinations and hospital X-rays, I spoke with Dr. Luke, who recommended a follow-up consultation in one month to discuss next steps. Ironically, I cannot even secure a phone appointment. This clinic urgently requires a thorough investigation or should be shut down entirely.

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LL

Loopy L. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service with no doctors to help

I've been a patient at this medical practice since 2008, but the quality has deteriorated so drastically that I'm now searching for an alternative. Getting an appointment with a doctor is nearly impossible, and if you do manage to speak with one, they seem disinterested. Dr. Grant was exceptional, but he has since departed. Their appointment scheduling system is incredibly frustrating - if you don't call precisely at 8:00 am, by 8:20 all slots are completely booked. The nursing and paramedical staff are wonderful, though, and I only wish it were easier to secure an appointment with them. It's truly disappointing, as this practice used to be outstanding. Update: I've been unsuccessfully trying to secure an emergency appointment with Grove Road for three weeks, and even the 111 service cannot help me. This situation is absolutely unacceptable. How can this be called a doctor's surgery when they have no doctors available? They should seriously consider shutting down operations.

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SS

Susannah S. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Rushed diagnosis and zero patient care nightmare

Absolutely zero communication from the medical staff. They seem to hastily diagnose without any real insight and rush you out of the office in under 120 seconds.

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PR

Patrick R. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Frustrating medical visit with zero helpful guidance

Visited the medical facility for a scheduled routine examination involving blood work and blood pressure screening, which they had specifically requested. Upon arrival, I discovered they had mistakenly ordered incorrect blood tests, and surprisingly, they no longer perform BP measurements on-site. Instead, patients are now directed to a local pharmacy for blood pressure checks!!! The situation is utterly bewildering!! There's a total lack of clear communication, and to make matters worse, their newly launched website is absolutely useless - it's practically impossible to navigate.

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AH

Amy H. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Unprofessional customer service ruined my entire experience

Unprofessional staff mocked me over the phone when I attempted to explain my purpose for calling, which is absolutely unacceptable behavior.

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AE

Anthony E. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Terrible pharmacy mix-up wasted my sick day

Physician mistakenly routed my medication to an incorrect pharmacy, forcing me to make an additional trip into town while battling a respiratory illness. Absolutely unacceptable customer service - steer clear of this incompetent operation!

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DT

David T. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Smooth and professional medical testing experience

Blood work and INR test performed with exceptional precision and care.

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NS

Nigel S. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Great!

Great customer support experience

Satisfactory customer experience

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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01323 720606
  • Grove Road Surgery 59-63 Grove Road Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 4TX

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals a practice facing significant operational challenges, with appointment access emerging as the dominant concern across reviews. Patients report extended waiting periods to reach the surgery by phone, difficulty securing appointments through the booking system, and frustration with inflexible scheduling that does not accommodate working patients. Several long-standing patients describe a marked deterioration in service quality over recent years, citing staffing pressures and system failures. Communication gaps are evident, with patients noting unclear information about procedures, test results, and follow-up care.

Despite these systemic issues, individual practitioners and reception staff receive consistent praise for clinical competence, professionalism, and courtesy. Patients highlight positive experiences with specific doctors and nurses who demonstrate genuine care and attention. The online booking system, when accessible, is noted as convenient. Some newer patients report smooth initial experiences with welcoming reception and prompt appointment availability.

The practice appears caught between resource constraints affecting access and responsiveness, and pockets of excellent individual care delivery. Concerns about staffing levels, system organisation, and the ability to accommodate patient needs feature prominently, contrasting with appreciation for the professionalism and compassion shown by available clinical staff.

Appointment

18.57 %
Bad

Reception

28.57 %
Bad

Cleanliness

50.00 %
Average

Care

35.71 %
Poor

Respect

25.71 %
Bad

Seen on time

22.86 %
Bad
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