Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reflects a mixed experience with significant inconsistencies in service quality. Clinical care receives consistent praise, with patients highlighting exceptional diagnostic expertise, compassionate nursing support, and responsive emergency care. However, substantial concerns centre on appointment access and booking experience, with patients reporting extended waiting periods, delayed callbacks, and difficulty securing timely consultations. Reception experience emerges as a particular area of concern, with multiple accounts of dismissive conduct, poor communication, and inadequate responsiveness to patient needs. Prescription management issues and cancelled appointments without explanation also feature prominently across reviews.

The practice demonstrates notable variation in service delivery. While some patients describe welcoming staff and prompt assistance, others report frustration with gatekeeping behaviour, unresponsive communication channels, and lack of accountability. Several long-term patients note a marked deterioration in service quality over recent years. Concerns about appointment availability appear systemic, with patients facing waits of several weeks and being redirected to walk-in centres or pharmacies rather than receiving GP consultations.

Positive experiences highlight the value of individual clinicians and nursing staff who provide attentive, supportive care. However, these strengths are substantially undermined by organisational challenges affecting access, communication, and continuity of care. The inconsistency between positive clinical interactions and negative administrative experiences suggests systemic issues requiring attention to ensure reliable, responsive service across all patient touchpoints.

Appointment

38.45 %
Poor

Reception

35.20 %
Poor

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

52.30 %
Average

Respect

42.15 %
Poor

Seen on time

41.80 %
Poor

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WK

Wayne K. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical experience ever terrible service

Dealing with distressing and intricate problems. Scheduled visits were abruptly called off twice without any justification. Absolutely appalling!

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CT

Cathy T. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Dental anxiety conquered by amazing dr martin

Heeding the skeptics' warnings, I was initially hesitant about my scheduled visit. However, Dr. Martin proved to be exceptional—a delightful professional who ensured a completely painless experience. Sincere gratitude to her. She truly stands out.

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CM

Charine M. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate receptionist made my difficult day better

I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful receptionist who assisted me today. Though I didn't catch her name, her compassionate approach made a significant difference during a challenging time. As someone struggling with depression and anxiety, her kindness and helpfulness truly meant the world to me.

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AD

Anne D. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate doctor who truly listens and cares

Dr. Dayala Sabia provides exceptional care and has a welcoming demeanor that puts me at ease during our conversations. She communicates complex information clearly and compassionately. I'm eager to schedule another appointment with Dr. Dayala to discuss the workplace issues we previously talked about. Unfortunately, the receptionist informed me that she is currently on a break, and they are uncertain about her return. I'm feeling quite distressed about my work situation and urgently need her professional guidance. I sincerely hope to connect with Dr. Dayala soon. Thank you, Dr. Dayala.

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EE

Emdawgs E. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible receptionists ruin entire medical practice

The front desk staff at this facility are utterly despicable. I encountered nothing but carelessness during my time here, and it seems no one gives a damn (with the exception of two fantastic nurse practitioners and the pharmacy staff). Prepare yourself for dismissive, patronizing treatment and sheer incompetence. Even the internal employees have voiced complaints about the receptionists, yet clearly no action is taken. It appears they might be deliberately attempting to discourage patients to reduce their workload. The service is absolutely atrocious, and I'm thrilled to be cutting ties. Every task they claim is impossible, my previous medical practice handled swiftly and smoothly, without the attitude of a sulky adolescent. Steer clear to avoid a truly miserable experience.

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IR

Irene R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Great service at my favorite shop

A consistently pleasant interaction every time

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JA

Jillian A. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Great!

Gp surgery struggles but compassion saves the day

Regrettably, the current healthcare situation is bleak. It seems there's a shortage of general practitioners. When I called in mid-December, the new system appeared low-priority, with up to a 3-day wait for a callback. Subsequently, booking an appointment takes around a month. I was told to re-contact if worried. Calling back at 8am the week before Christmas, after a prolonged wait, I was informed no appointments were available and advised to visit the Walk-in Centre. I'm uncertain whether other GP practices are experiencing similar challenges. The service deterioration is extremely worrying, and the NHS appears to be crumbling unfortunately. I sincerely hope Highfield can enhance its resources and restore its previous service quality. A week later, I called again, and the receptionist I spoke with was attentive and empathetic. I managed to secure a same-day appointment, and the GP promptly referred me as a priority to Clifton hospital, resulting in a next-day appointment. I'm deeply grateful to those involved. The service and care were exceptional this time around. My heartfelt thanks.

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JH

Joan H. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly pharmacy with top-notch professional service

Quick and responsive assistance. The entire staff demonstrates a welcoming and competent approach. Top-notch pharmaceutical services located on the first level.

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CP

Craig P. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating and unprofessional medical service nightmare

Called the medical practice first thing in the morning at 8:15am for a doctor's consultation, and despite making four follow-up inquiries, nine hours passed without receiving a single callback. The front desk staff are completely dishonest and make this healthcare facility an absolute nightmare to interact with. I sincerely wish they would experience the same frustrating treatment they routinely inflict on patients. A truly terrible and unprofessional establishment.

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JM

Joan M. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate care from highfield medical team

A heartfelt appreciation goes out to Nurse Debbie and Dr Espada for their exceptional care. They were incredibly attentive, compassionate, and considerate throughout my treatment. Living with a chronic condition, I'm grateful that the Highfield Medical Team consistently provides unwavering support and reassurance, continuously seeking innovative approaches to improve my health and wellness. My sincere thanks to them.

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PT

Phil T. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst customer service experience ever

I'd give zero stars if I could. Despite accepting the lack of in-person meetings, I scheduled a phone consultation at 10:10am, which never happened. Multiple attempts to contact them were met with disconnected calls. Absolutely no explanation, communication, accountability, or concern was shown. Their "service" is utterly deplorable and completely unacceptable.

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DH

Dannii H. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Great care despite systemic healthcare challenges

Top-notch general practitioners and healthcare professionals who demonstrate genuine compassion, expertise, and attentiveness. Dr. Bennetts has consistently provided outstanding care for both myself and my child, truly deserving of the highest possible rating. While standard appointment scheduling suffers from extended wait times—a consequence of broader systemic challenges related to political and economic constraints—the practice excels in emergency responsiveness. Urgent consultations are readily available, and the doctors are reliably quick to provide telephone guidance when medical counsel is required.

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TG

Terry G. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Terrible treatment of loyal patients by uncaring staff

My wife Sandra and I have been patients at Highfield Surgery for nearly four decades, starting with Dr. Priestly on Station Rd, then moving to Gorton St, and now located on South Shore Lytham Rd. We have never been treated so poorly, particularly by the management. Sandra suffers from multiple chronic health conditions including COPD, Kidney Disease, Diabetes, and mental health issues - none of which are her fault. Due to staff errors, a problematic check-in system, and their refusal to accept responsibility, Sandra has been unfairly penalized by their DNA (Did Not Attend) Policy. I firmly believe this policy is not just morally questionable, but potentially illegal discrimination against vulnerable patients like ourselves - elderly individuals, those with mental health challenges, early-stage Alzheimer's, Dementia, or memory difficulties. After forty years of loyalty, the Patient Manager has threatened to remove Sandra from their register if she doesn't comply with this policy. Our large extended family, many of whom are current patients, could potentially be lost to this practice. I wonder if those with financial stakes are aware of how the surgery is being mismanaged. What I've described is the unvarnished truth - not what we wanted, but what we've experienced.

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DG

Douglas G. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible doctor and staff avoid at all costs

Terrible medical practice that lives up to its negative reputation. The staff exhibits an arrogant attitude and shows little concern for patients. Unlike my previous experience with Dr. Tunn at Vicarage Lane, where I never encountered issues, this place is a disaster. A two-week waiting period and an appointment with Dr. Owens revealed a complete lack of medical competence. The doctor was clueless about my condition, dismissed my pain concerns, and provided inadequate pain management. When I requested stronger medication, I was rudely asked to leave. I've never encountered such an unprofessional and thoughtless physician. I'm definitely filing a formal complaint. Fortunately, I've now switched to St. Anne's Rd, Lenox gate, which offers same-day or next-day appointments with friendly staff and an excellent doctor. My advice: avoid this terrible practice at all costs. I'm convinced the positive reviews are fabricated by employees or their relatives.

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TR

Tracy R. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Smooth sailing through successful medical procedure

Exceptional medical procedure.

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JN

Jonny N. Google 9 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible customer service and unhelpful staff

The reception staff exhibit a clear mob mentality, closing ranks when one of them is challenged. Their interpersonal skills are nonexistent, and they consistently adopt a defensive stance. They prove completely inadequate at managing patients experiencing stress, particularly when abruptly forced to reschedule appointments with minimal explanation or communication. There are fundamentally two approaches to service management: one where leaders actively develop and train their team to effectively interact with customers, and another where staff blindly protect each other regardless of the validity of complaints. This establishment unquestionably falls into the second category. While technically labeled a "free" service, we're actually investing substantial tax dollars into what feels like a low-quality, poorly managed system. The adage "you get what you pay for" rings particularly true here, even though we're ostensibly paying nothing directly.

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PL

Paul L. Google 9 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Incredible product that exceeded all my expectations

Absolutely phenomenal

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SH

Sue H. Google 9 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Fantastic doctors who truly care about patients

The medical professionals here are exceptional. I've been a patient at this practice for 12 years since relocating to Blackpool, and I wouldn't consider seeking care elsewhere. Dan Bennett stands out as the absolute finest physician, and he's our go-to doctor xx

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Practice Response Rate
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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01253 953950
  • South Shore Primary Cc Lytham Road Blackpool Lancashire FY4 1TJ

Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reflects a mixed experience with significant inconsistencies in service quality. Clinical care receives consistent praise, with patients highlighting exceptional diagnostic expertise, compassionate nursing support, and responsive emergency care. However, substantial concerns centre on appointment access and booking experience, with patients reporting extended waiting periods, delayed callbacks, and difficulty securing timely consultations. Reception experience emerges as a particular area of concern, with multiple accounts of dismissive conduct, poor communication, and inadequate responsiveness to patient needs. Prescription management issues and cancelled appointments without explanation also feature prominently across reviews.

The practice demonstrates notable variation in service delivery. While some patients describe welcoming staff and prompt assistance, others report frustration with gatekeeping behaviour, unresponsive communication channels, and lack of accountability. Several long-term patients note a marked deterioration in service quality over recent years. Concerns about appointment availability appear systemic, with patients facing waits of several weeks and being redirected to walk-in centres or pharmacies rather than receiving GP consultations.

Positive experiences highlight the value of individual clinicians and nursing staff who provide attentive, supportive care. However, these strengths are substantially undermined by organisational challenges affecting access, communication, and continuity of care. The inconsistency between positive clinical interactions and negative administrative experiences suggests systemic issues requiring attention to ensure reliable, responsive service across all patient touchpoints.

Appointment

38.45 %
Poor

Reception

35.20 %
Poor

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

52.30 %
Average

Respect

42.15 %
Poor

Seen on time

41.80 %
Poor
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