Patient feedback reveals a deeply divided experience at this practice, with stark contrasts between clinical care and operational service. Many patients praise individual doctors for their attentive listening, compassion, and professional expertise, describing consultations that feel unhurried and thorough. However, these positive clinical interactions are frequently undermined by significant systemic challenges. Appointment access emerges as the most persistent complaint, with patients reporting lengthy phone queues from 8am, unavailable slots, and difficulty securing timely consultations. Reception staff conduct is another major concern, with multiple accounts of discourteous, dismissive, and unhelpful interactions that leave patients feeling invalidated and frustrated.
Beyond appointment difficulties, patients describe poor communication from reception staff who appear to override clinical decisions, inadequate responsiveness to booking requests and callbacks, and inefficient administrative processes affecting prescriptions and test coordination. Several patients report feeling disrespected during vulnerable moments, particularly during vaccination appointments and mental health consultations. A smaller group of patients report positive reception experiences and smooth booking processes, suggesting inconsistency in service delivery.
While the practice has invested in facility improvements and maintains capable medical professionals, the operational barriers to accessing care and the reception experience significantly detract from overall satisfaction. Patients consistently note that despite appreciating individual clinicians, the difficulty in securing appointments and the discourteous reception experience have prompted some to seek care elsewhere.
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Patient feedback reveals a deeply divided experience at this practice, with stark contrasts between clinical care and operational service. Many patients praise individual doctors for their attentive listening, compassion, and professional expertise, describing consultations that feel unhurried and thorough. However, these positive clinical interactions are frequently undermined by significant systemic challenges. Appointment access emerges as the most persistent complaint, with patients reporting lengthy phone queues from 8am, unavailable slots, and difficulty securing timely consultations. Reception staff conduct is another major concern, with multiple accounts of discourteous, dismissive, and unhelpful interactions that leave patients feeling invalidated and frustrated.
Beyond appointment difficulties, patients describe poor communication from reception staff who appear to override clinical decisions, inadequate responsiveness to booking requests and callbacks, and inefficient administrative processes affecting prescriptions and test coordination. Several patients report feeling disrespected during vulnerable moments, particularly during vaccination appointments and mental health consultations. A smaller group of patients report positive reception experiences and smooth booking processes, suggesting inconsistency in service delivery.
While the practice has invested in facility improvements and maintains capable medical professionals, the operational barriers to accessing care and the reception experience significantly detract from overall satisfaction. Patients consistently note that despite appreciating individual clinicians, the difficulty in securing appointments and the discourteous reception experience have prompted some to seek care elsewhere.
Appointment
Reception
Cleanliness
Care
Respect
Seen on time
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Glyn T.
one year ago
Bad!
Frustrating healthcare system with impossible appointment booking
Completely unacceptable. Scheduling an appointment is impossible, as you're forced to frantically dial at 8am and compete with countless others just to secure a slot. Most attempts result in being stuck on hold and ultimately failing to book. It's infuriating that we're paying for this service through our tax dollars when it's essentially unusable.
Ollie O.
one year ago
Bad!
Worst medical practice ever terrible service
I was repeatedly informed that appointments are only available if you call at 8am, so I did just that, only to find myself 18th in line. Meanwhile, they're demanding I undergo a thyroid blood test before they'll even consider renewing my prescription. The clinic always appears empty, and I'm skeptical if any medical professionals are even present. This place is so dysfunctional that it doesn't even merit a single star - getting an appointment seems impossible.
Zumba B.
one year ago
Bad!
Terrible customer service and endless phone wait
Scheduling an appointment here is practically impossible. Spent nearly three-quarters of an hour on hold, only to ultimately abandon the call in frustration.
Sue S.
one year ago
Excellent!
Exceptional healthcare with compassionate and prompt service
Yesterday's experience was top-notch. The recently installed phone system functioned perfectly, and I was given the choice between an in-person or telephone consultation on the same day. The reception team was incredibly courteous and supportive. The physician was particularly attentive, carefully listening to my concerns, providing professional medical guidance and prescribing suitable medication. They even took the time to explain the biological mechanisms behind my condition in detail. I was genuinely impressed by the quality of care and the efficiency of the entire appointment process. Heartfelt appreciation goes out to all the staff members involved.
Adapted S.
one year ago
Excellent!
Compassionate care at its absolute finest
The medical staff at Hillcrest have truly impressed me recently. Diagnostic procedures and specialist consultations have been swift, with clear and timely communication of outcomes. They've maintained a calm and competent demeanor, undoubtedly managing significant workplace pressure with remarkable skill.
Emma R.
one year ago
Excellent!
Compassionate care changed my father's health journey
I brought my dad to his initial consultation, and he left feeling truly understood and supported. The compassionate approach made a significant difference in his well-being, and we're incredibly grateful for the care he received. Thank you so much! 😊
Alison B.
one year ago
Excellent!
Fantastic service at my local medical center
Secured a medical consultation with minimal wait time, the reception team was incredibly supportive, and the general practitioner delivered the same comprehensive and caring service I've come to expect.
Joanne C.
one year ago
Excellent!
Exceptional healthcare experience at local gp surgery
I'm perplexed by the critical comments because this general practice has been exceptional for me. While you need to phone early in the morning, securing a same-day consultation has never been a problem. The reception team and nursing staff are delightful, and my physician is outstanding. During appointments, I never feel hurried; she genuinely listens, actively pursues diagnostic tests and specialist referrals, and promptly follows up with my results. Truly remarkable healthcare service.
Debbie N.
one year ago
Excellent!
Quick professional service with great advice
Arrived at the scheduled time, received a top-notch consultation with precisely the guidance I was seeking.
Tim D.
one year ago
Excellent!
Exceptional service from a truly caring team
Hillcrest's staff have consistently demonstrated exceptional care throughout my recent experiences with them. Their approach has been consistently compassionate and courteous. They maintain a high standard of professionalism, with remarkable communication skills and genuine empathy. I am truly grateful for their outstanding service.
Christopher W.
one year ago
Excellent!
Smooth service with helpful and friendly team
Always smooth sailing here. The employees are welcoming and pleasant.
Gemma P.
one year ago
Average!
Friendly staff but frustrating appointment booking system
The employees are consistently welcoming, but securing a doctor's appointment or even getting through on the phone can be incredibly challenging. I've spent up to an hour dialing from 8am onwards, only to be informed that all slots are filled and advised to try again the next day. This frustrating scenario has happened to me repeatedly.
Amruta P.
one year ago
Bad!
Terrible medical practice with incompetent staff
This medical practice is completely worthless. The front desk staff seem to think they're medical professionals, but they're actually rude and incompetent. Their hiring process must be a joke, given how uneducated and clueless the employees are. They've repeatedly botched everything, especially when I tried to clarify pharmacy details for my medication - calling three times made no difference. Apparently, they have just one general practitioner who appears to do nothing more than Google symptoms and write prescriptions. They expect patients to feel sorry for them, yet they lack even the most basic common sense and can't perform simple tasks like correctly recording an address. I cannot stress enough: AVOID ENROLLING WITH THIS SURGERY. It's an utterly useless establishment run by completely unprofessional and ignorant staff. This place should be SHUT DOWN immediately.
Lorraine C.
2 years ago
Excellent!
Caring professional who truly goes above and beyond
Always attentive and eager to hear concerns, this service goes above and beyond by conducting comprehensive investigations. The approach is marked by genuine compassion and careful consideration, ensuring every issue is addressed with utmost care and empathy.
Jay H.
2 years ago
Bad!
Incompetent doctors destroy patient's hope and health
This surgery is an absolute farce! Their appointment system is ridiculously restrictive, with only morning slots available, which is completely impractical for many people. While most doctors seem incompetent, Doctor Barton is the lone exception. However, my real frustration stems from the Doctor who completed my son's fit note for his universal credit claim. This wasn't even his regular physician, and despite my repeated inquiries about his actual doctor's availability, the receptionist was unhelpful and simply suggested another doctor would suffice. My son had his upper right arm bone removed due to cancer and replaced with a prosthetic, and over time, his arm's mobility has dramatically deteriorated. It's now essentially non-functional, with completely atrophied shoulder muscles. He can't perform simple tasks like buttering bread due to the arm's complete lack of strength. His sleep is severely disrupted, unable to find a comfortable position and constantly waking in agony from accidentally rolling onto his damaged arm. Consequently, he's developed agoraphobia, depression, social anxiety, and panic attacks. The Doctor's fit note was shockingly dismissive, stating: "He has pain in his shoulder which sometimes causes discomfort and maybe is fit for work." Clearly, this Doctor didn't remotely review his hospital documentation, likely just skimming his medical notes and completely disregarding my son's own account. Congratulations, Doctor Brock, you've effectively sabotaged my son's situation, causing unnecessary stress and exacerbating his mental health struggles by suggesting he's capable of working! Update: Their response was typically bureaucratic - suggesting I contact the Practice Manager and explaining appointment availability. Nonsense! You can only book appointments at 8 in the morning, which I'm repeatedly told. The damage is already done regarding the Doctor's incredibly negligent fit note. The DWP is now dismissing our entire case because she was too lazy to thoroughly examine his hospital records. Had she done so, she would have immediately recognized the severe extent of his arm's damage - that's an undeniable fact!
Lucy W.
2 years ago
Bad!
Terrible service and impossible to book appointments
Completely useless.......impossible to schedule a consultation without endless phone calls starting at 8 am. On the rare chance you actually connect, they claim appointments are solely for urgent cases. Attempting to pre-book requires using the Patches system on their website, which I've just discovered is a nightmarish maze of confusion. I've wasted thirty minutes navigating their incomprehensible online platform. During my routine blood tests, the medical center appears completely abandoned. The doctors seem to have vanished into thin air, certainly not present within the surgery's walls.
Peter B.
2 years ago
Bad!
Terrible service drives patient to find new practice
Every time I contact this medical practice, I anticipate support, not additional anxiety. Today's experience pushed me beyond my limits, and as a result, I've decided to transfer my registration to Widcombe. It's truly disappointing that Hillcrest has deteriorated to the point of being ineffective. While I'll genuinely miss the exceptional nursing staff and certain physicians, my overall experience has become unbearable.
Cathie L.
2 years ago
Excellent!
Amazing support from caring professionals
Exceptional assistance and fantastic attention to detail during my recent visit! Much appreciation!
J P.
2 years ago
Bad!
Terrible healthcare experience with uncaring doctors
Utterly appalling medical professionals who completely mishandled my case. Initially, I was informed about a potential cancer diagnosis, then shuffled around with incorrect referrals. Dr. Barton even suggested I was being tested for a cancer typically seen only in men over 80. I was continuously dismissed and bombarded with medications that severely deteriorated my mental well-being. Despite my protests, they insisted I keep taking these drugs, leaving me in an even worse condition than before seeking help at Hillcrest Surgery. While it might be convenient for residents of Peasdown, I strongly advise everyone to steer clear of this healthcare facility at all costs.
Joe D.
2 years ago
Bad!
Worst service ever stay far away from here
Absolutely terrible service and unacceptable conduct. If you have any self-respect, steer clear of this establishment. I hope a competing business nearby can provide the competent assistance this place utterly fails to deliver. They can't even answer a phone without displaying a terrible attitude, and they completely bungle simple tasks. In contrast, a professional operation would handle requests efficiently and courteously, without the obvious "go away" mentality demonstrated here.