Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reflects a mixed experience across the practice. Many patients report positive interactions with courteous and welcoming staff, straightforward online appointment booking, and accessible prescription services. Reception teams are frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, while clinical staff are often described as supportive and attentive. However, significant concerns emerge around appointment access, with patients reporting extended waiting periods, difficulty reaching the practice by phone, and challenges securing timely consultations.

Several patients note that appointment duration constraints limit discussion of multiple health concerns, and some describe reception experiences as dismissive or unwelcoming. Communication gaps appear in some cases, including delayed callbacks and issues with medical record management. While continuity of care and reassurance are valued by long-term patients, recent feedback suggests service responsiveness has deteriorated, with some patients citing staffing constraints and capacity pressures as contributing factors. The practice environment is generally described as welcoming, though experiences with care responsiveness and organisation vary considerably across the patient population.

Appointment

58.92 %
Average

Reception

64.32 %
Average

Cleanliness

75.00 %
Great

Care

66.78 %
Great

Respect

62.15 %
Average

Seen on time

61.48 %
Average

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LR

Lilian R. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Struggling to book appointments through usual channels

Recently I've found it difficult to secure appointments through either the phone line or the application. It appears the practice may have expanded its patient list beyond capacity. What was once a particularly good service has now become comparable to other practices in the area.

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CH

Colin H. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Average!

Practice limits consultations to single problems only

Got a rather surprising text from the practice today with the following message - We would appreciate it if all patients could focus on one issue per appointment and would ask that you not be upset if the clinician suggests rebooking for any additional concerns. Should you anticipate needing more than one appointment, please let reception know when you book. So essentially, if you have more than one matter that feels important enough to warrant an appointment with our stretched and heavily scheduled clinicians, you're being asked to book for just the most pressing issue and address the other concern another time. The logic here seems questionable - how is a patient supposed to decide which problem takes priority, and how does spreading appointments across multiple visits actually ease the workload on clinicians? This approach seems rather counterproductive.

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SB

Sue B. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff made me feel welcome

The team demonstrated a welcoming and supportive approach throughout my visit.

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HS

Han S. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff made me feel genuinely cared for

This medical practice is excellent! Undoubtedly among the finest in the country - the team members are not only competent, but also remarkably welcoming, and the overall service is outstanding. They deliver a wonderful experience that makes you feel genuinely valued and supported.

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B9

Bexyb 9. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff who really listen and care

Absolutely brilliant practice. Been my family's choice for years and honestly there isn't a better surgery around. Really friendly staff and clinicians who are so approachable and make you feel well looked after. Thank you

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NS

Nicholas S. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Reception turned away patient with serious symptoms

I had an extremely negative experience at this GP surgery. My partner attended an appointment regarding a chest concern and breathing difficulties. She had recently updated her address within the local area, and when she presented at the surgery, the staff appeared unwilling to assist her. They asked her to leave, and I had to collect her and take her to the hospital instead. When I contacted the surgery to discuss what had happened, the staff showed little concern about the situation. I subsequently called the NHS complaints line, and they indicated that the surgery's actions were inappropriate given the serious nature of the symptoms. In my view, the surgery's response was inadequate, and I felt there were issues with medication management and timing that added to my concerns. We are now pursuing this matter further with legal advice. The staff came across as dismissive and uncaring throughout our interactions. I would strongly advise others to consider alternative healthcare providers, as I do not feel this surgery meets acceptable standards of care.

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MK

Mukhtar K. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Struggling to book appointments by phone

Each time I contact the reception desk, I experience a wait of several minutes before being told that appointments are fully booked and I should try calling back the following day. However, when I do call back as suggested, I receive the same response.

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JM

James M. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful reception team made appointment easy

Excellent practice with a wonderful team who are consistently willing to assist.

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JB

Judith B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

First place where I felt truly heard

The medical team here are wonderful and incredibly supportive. This is the first practice where I feel able to communicate openly and honestly. I had a particularly positive experience with one of the clinicians, who made me feel at ease during our consultation. The staff handle everything with a helpful attitude, and I appreciate the ability to book appointments ahead of time.

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CK

Christopher K. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Reliable surgery with no complaints over years

I have been attending this practice for nearly a decade and have consistently had a positive experience throughout my time as a patient.

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SY

Sarah Y. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Limited choice and rushed examination experience

I was only able to see one practitioner, who conducted an examination of my foot by tapping on my footwear. I am looking to make a change promptly.

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JE

Joseph E. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Phone lines are frustratingly difficult to reach

Getting through to this practice is extremely challenging. I have waited for extended periods while on hold despite being first in the queue. On occasions, calls have been disconnected without explanation. Given the serious nature of medical matters, this experience has been very frustrating and disappointing.

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BT

Bambi T. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Receptionist barrier makes getting help nearly impossible

This practice has not met my expectations. Accessing appointments through reception proved challenging, and attempting to reach a GP or speak with management was difficult. My interaction with the management felt dismissive and gave the impression that administrative concerns were prioritised over patient wellbeing. A home visit from a clinician did not address my needs effectively, and I subsequently required hospital admission. I would suggest considering alternative healthcare providers.

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MG

Meelie G. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff made all the difference

This is undoubtedly the most welcoming and caring medical practice I've experienced. I'm genuinely pleased to have discovered this facility.

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MB

Mahi B. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly receptionists and clear communication here

An excellent medical practice overall. The front desk staff are particularly warm and approachable, and the interaction between patients and the clinic runs smoothly. The environment throughout the facility feels genuinely welcoming and pleasant!

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KC

Kevin C. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful staff made me feel welcome

The service provided was good, with friendly and approachable staff who were both helpful and welcoming.

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JM

Joan M. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Polite staff made booking appointments straightforward

The medical team, nursing staff, administrative personnel, and front desk team are consistently courteous and supportive, whether attending in person or contacting by phone. Appointments are readily available whenever needed. The practice operates smoothly and professionally throughout. The experience has been consistently satisfactory. Much appreciated!

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JG

John G. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Staff took time to listen and help

The staff members here are genuinely friendly and approachable. I feel that they all make the effort to ensure I receive the best possible care. Thank you to everyone on the team for being such a great group to work with.

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MB

Maureen B. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff made me feel welcome

I consistently receive excellent care from the clinical and administrative team at this practice. The staff provide outstanding service.

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MN

Murasaki N. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly team still welcoming new NHS patients

The team here are welcoming and approachable. The practice continues to accept patients through the NHS.

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Practice Response Rate
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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 0191 5282222
  • Happy House Surgery Durham Road Sunderland Tyne & Wear SR3 4BY

Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reflects a mixed experience across the practice. Many patients report positive interactions with courteous and welcoming staff, straightforward online appointment booking, and accessible prescription services. Reception teams are frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, while clinical staff are often described as supportive and attentive. However, significant concerns emerge around appointment access, with patients reporting extended waiting periods, difficulty reaching the practice by phone, and challenges securing timely consultations.

Several patients note that appointment duration constraints limit discussion of multiple health concerns, and some describe reception experiences as dismissive or unwelcoming. Communication gaps appear in some cases, including delayed callbacks and issues with medical record management. While continuity of care and reassurance are valued by long-term patients, recent feedback suggests service responsiveness has deteriorated, with some patients citing staffing constraints and capacity pressures as contributing factors. The practice environment is generally described as welcoming, though experiences with care responsiveness and organisation vary considerably across the patient population.

Appointment

58.92 %
Average

Reception

64.32 %
Average

Cleanliness

75.00 %
Great

Care

66.78 %
Great

Respect

62.15 %
Average

Seen on time

61.48 %
Average
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