Feedback across the file reveals significant operational challenges alongside pockets of positive care experiences. Appointment access remains the most pressing concern, with patients reporting extended waiting periods, difficulty reaching the practice by phone, and limited availability even when booking in advance. Many describe phone systems that are either unresponsive or result in long hold times and disconnections. Prescription management issues appear consistently, including delays in processing, misplaced requests, and stock problems at the pharmacy. Reception experience is notably mixed: some patients praise courteous and helpful staff who respond promptly, whilst others report dismissive or inconsistent interactions that create barriers to accessing care.
Clinical care receives varied feedback. When patients do secure appointments, many report compassionate and attentive doctors who listen carefully and provide thorough assessments. However, concerns about continuity of care, frequent staff rotation, and communication delays between departments are evident. E-consultation services have proven ineffective for many, with patients reporting they are redirected elsewhere after completing the process. The practice appears stretched by rising patient demand, with several reviews noting that staffing and organisational resources are inadequate to meet local healthcare needs.
Some recent positive comments suggest improvements in phone systems and appointment availability, indicating the practice is attempting to address these systemic issues. However, the overall pattern shows a service struggling with access and coordination, despite individual staff members demonstrating genuine care and responsiveness.
Appointment
Reception
Cleanliness
Care
Respect
Seen on time
Respond to patient reviews
Monitor satisfaction trends
Generate CQC evidence reports
Claim & Manage ProfileShows how often this practice responds to patient reviews and feedback.
Feedback across the file reveals significant operational challenges alongside pockets of positive care experiences. Appointment access remains the most pressing concern, with patients reporting extended waiting periods, difficulty reaching the practice by phone, and limited availability even when booking in advance. Many describe phone systems that are either unresponsive or result in long hold times and disconnections. Prescription management issues appear consistently, including delays in processing, misplaced requests, and stock problems at the pharmacy. Reception experience is notably mixed: some patients praise courteous and helpful staff who respond promptly, whilst others report dismissive or inconsistent interactions that create barriers to accessing care.
Clinical care receives varied feedback. When patients do secure appointments, many report compassionate and attentive doctors who listen carefully and provide thorough assessments. However, concerns about continuity of care, frequent staff rotation, and communication delays between departments are evident. E-consultation services have proven ineffective for many, with patients reporting they are redirected elsewhere after completing the process. The practice appears stretched by rising patient demand, with several reviews noting that staffing and organisational resources are inadequate to meet local healthcare needs.
Some recent positive comments suggest improvements in phone systems and appointment availability, indicating the practice is attempting to address these systemic issues. However, the overall pattern shows a service struggling with access and coordination, despite individual staff members demonstrating genuine care and responsiveness.
Appointment
Reception
Cleanliness
Care
Respect
Seen on time
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Kevin T.
2 years ago
Bad!
Endless waiting and frustration at local medical practice
Requested a blood test from the medical clinic. Attempted multiple phone calls, but each time was left on hold for an extended period with no one answering. Previously, this was an excellent healthcare provider. Now, it has significantly deteriorated in quality. Truly frustrating and disheartening.
Bat C.
2 years ago
Bad!
Prescription Box Chaos: Lost Medications and Neglect
Attention everyone. Three months prior, I attempted to submit a request for a repeat prescription. To my dismay, the box was overflowing with prescriptions, and some had even fallen onto the floor, marked by footprints. I promptly informed the staff about this issue. Fast forward one month later; I encountered the same situation again. This time, I was told that they hadn’t received my request because my prescription had been misplaced and they needed to create an emergency refill instead. I’ve recently observed that the top of that box is now forcibly opened on its right side, suggesting that the key for its padlock has gone missing. Consequently, I've decided to personally hand my prescriptions directly to the receptionist and avoid using that box altogether from now on. This problem could be easily resolved; however, it seems they have other priorities at this time.
Anonymouse 2 years ago
Average!
Appointment
BadReception
BadCleanliness
GreatCare
GreatRespect
GreatSeen On Time
BadLack of courtesy
The surgery changed my medication without any information. They are the worse surgery I have been at and it feels their service is more like a communist country than a developed one. I call and mystery, the doctor changes my medication after years of taking the same and we talk more than 14 years and does not even talk to me. Pathetic. Just the correct word for this surgery and the manager is never there
Regischenu1 R.
2 years ago
Bad!
Healthcare Nightmare: Unreachable Doctors and Medication Chaos
The service provided is utterly inadequate, with no one responding to phone calls. It’s nearly impossible to schedule an appointment with a physician, and if you find yourself in the emergency department, staff will question your presence there. The reason is straightforward: seeing a doctor isn't an option. With plans for 200-350 additional homes in the area, I can't fathom how they plan to manage this influx when they are already struggling significantly with current demands. Furthermore, after over fifteen years of consistent medication usage, my prescriptions were altered without any notification—no call or appointment to discuss this change at all. When I attempted to inquire about it through a phone call, I was met with confusion and eventually told that the doctor had concerns; however, this seems nonsensical. It appears as though they might be attempting to cut costs without transparency about their intentions. Their behavior resembles that of an inept organization; even more frustrating is the absence of management during these issues.
Leigh R.
3 years ago
Excellent!
Exceptional Service Beyond Reproach
I couldn't find any issues with the service provided today. I sincerely appreciate everyone's efforts.
Denisa D.
3 years ago
Excellent!
Efficient E-Consult Service and Dedicated GP Care
I have utilized the e-consult service multiple times for my daughter, and each occasion, they have provided us with same-day appointments at various Highparks clinics. Additionally, the doctor at Cliffe Woods made every effort to ensure that my daughter received her necessary surgery as quickly as possible. In today's world, it's challenging to find a general practitioner who genuinely fulfills their responsibilities, so I truly value their dedication and support in this matter.
Ern S.
3 years ago
Bad!
Frustrating e-consult process wastes patients time
Went through the entire E-consult process as directed by the receptionist, only to be told at the end to directly contact the surgery. Completely pointless and frustrating. This practice used to be excellent, but now it's become a total disappointment.
Sam P.
3 years ago
Bad!
Broken healthcare system fails patients repeatedly
Impossible to book consultations, e-consultants dismissively redirecting patients to the emergency department! Our healthcare system should be focused on preventing hospital overcrowding, not unnecessarily routing patients with standard medical concerns to A&E.
Cate O.
4 years ago
Bad!
Unprofessional Medical Care Compromises Privacy and Convenience
I would rate this experience with zero stars. The scheduling of the appointment was based on what suited the doctor's timetable rather than my own. To make matters worse, a sensitive consultation took place in my car while two children were present and could hear everything! How wonderful! In the past, I had the option to select a time that allowed for privacy and convenience, but that's no longer possible. Additionally, I had to endure a three-week waiting period for this consultation. This is simply unacceptable.
Kelly N.
4 years ago
Bad!
Terrible Service: Rude Staff and Impossible Appointments
The service provided is utterly appalling; securing an appointment has become impossible, and I'm often met with the frustrating response of having no availability for my daughters as well. The administrative staff are incredibly disrespectful, and resolving any issues can take weeks or even months! This situation is unacceptable. All we hear is that they are overwhelmed with patients, yet accessing care remains out of reach. The current state of this clinic feels like a complete farce. When I was told to "go somewhere else" if dissatisfied, it became clear that we will indeed seek alternatives due to the awful experience my partner has endured—this level of service is simply intolerable!
Beverley P.
4 years ago
Bad!
Terrible service that fails completely
This service completely fails to deliver what it promises. I'm reluctantly giving it a single star because the rating system requires some minimal score.
C I.
4 years ago
Bad!
Frustrating healthcare service with zero communication
E Consult is completely ineffective, and their customer support is nonexistent - calls go unanswered and unaddressed.
Alan N.
4 years ago
Bad!
Declining Service at Overcrowded Parkside Medical Practice
Parkside medical practice provides a service that is below acceptable standards. As the years have passed and their operations expanded, the quality of care has noticeably declined. Clearly, they are overwhelmed with patients. When you do manage to get in touch with them, it often feels like you're merely being directed to another line for assistance, as they frequently suggest calling back the next day or reaching out to 111 instead. It’s perplexing how elderly individuals or those in vulnerable situations can expect any form of support from this establishment.
Mark C.
4 years ago
Bad!
Endless wait leads to customer frustration
Stuck waiting endlessly on hold. The quality of this service has declined to the point of being completely worthless.
Bull M.
4 years ago
Bad!
Prescription Chaos: Pharmacy Failures After Strokes
Typically, physicians will forward your prescriptions directly to the pharmacy as they become due. However, on June 30, 2021, I experienced an issue; despite my request on June 3 for medication in my area, nothing was processed. This situation is particularly challenging for someone like me who has limited mobility due to two strokes and now lacks essential medications. As of November 30, 2021, I was informed that they would investigate this matter—yet here I am still waiting two months later. Additionally, prescriptions are often not available at the pharmacy next door even by the third day after submission. This forces me to make multiple trips just to gather what I need while frequently encountering missing items in my orders. Unfortunately, this service fails to meet basic needs effectively.
Tiny T.
4 years ago
Bad!
Healthcare Access Crisis: Two-Hour Wait, No Appointments
At present, I am unable to connect with any of the surgeries within the practice. There are no emergency appointments available, nor are there any direct lines to reach them. The situation has deteriorated significantly in recent times. For the past week, it has taken me two hours each morning just to get through on the phone. Today, I started at position 34 in line and spent 38 minutes waiting at number six before being informed that after a two-hour wait there were no appointments available. This was particularly frustrating given that I have sustained injuries from a car accident and am in need of assistance as well as pain management. All they suggested was for me to "try again tomorrow at 8am." The receptionist advised me to complete an online form, which I did diligently; however, upon submission, a notification appeared indicating my request could not be processed because I needed an in-person appointment—yet securing such an appointment is impossible! Just yesterday, after waiting for one hour and reaching position 18 in line, my call was abruptly disconnected. How can this state of affairs be deemed acceptable? Moreover, the authorization process for prescriptions appears severely compromised as well. As someone who is Type 1 diabetic and experienced a four-day lapse without insulin back in August 2021 despite making numerous requests over ten days for my prescription refill—that’s simply unacceptable! It is crucial we address these issues since everyone deserves access to medical care when they are unwell or injured. As a parent with two children relying on me—my responsibilities are pressing—I cannot afford spending hours every morning trying fruitlessly only to learn that no appointments can be granted regardless of their urgency or necessity. This situation is utterly appalling.
Donna B.
5 years ago
Bad!
Frustrating customer service with endless phone wait times
Telecommunications support is abysmal, with perpetual connection challenges. The lines are consistently jammed, making contact nearly impossible.
Kim T.
5 years ago
Excellent!
Helpful Receptionists Always Ready to Assist
Whenever I call, the receptionists are always available to assist me. Thank you all for your support.
Colin A.
5 years ago
Bad!
Frustrating phone battle for a simple doctors appointment
Scheduling appointments at this practice is incredibly frustrating. The front desk staff are unwilling to book slots more than a day in advance, consistently instructing patients to call early the following morning. This morning, I repeatedly tried dialing from 8am to 9am, only to be met with a constant busy signal. When I finally got through at 9:45am, I was informed that all available appointments were already taken, and they couldn't reserve anything for the upcoming week. Instead, I was told to call back again on Monday morning, leaving me without a confirmed consultation.
Sue N.
5 years ago
Poor!
Delayed Medical Care Frustrates NHS Patient
On Friday, August 24th, 2030, I reached out to the doctor's office around 8:25 AM due to excruciating pain following surgery I had undergone the previous week. The receptionist informed me that the doctor would return my call. After waiting for seven hours and making two additional calls to inquire about my situation, I finally received a callback. The doctor prescribed antibiotics during this brief consultation which lasted only seven minutes. Later in the afternoon at 3:00 PM, I spoke with one of the receptionists who made some highly inappropriate remarks regarding why there was a delay in communication from their side. As someone employed by the NHS, if I were to make such insensitive statements concerning patients in critical conditions, it would certainly result in disciplinary action against me. It’s clear that improvements are needed in customer care and empathy within this system. This experience sheds light on why many individuals opt for A&E services; often it proves to be a much faster route for receiving necessary medical attention.