Patient Experience Summary

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

32.15 %
Bad

Reception

35.20 %
Poor

Cleanliness

70.00 %
Great

Care

62.80 %
Average

Respect

38.90 %
Poor

Seen on time

40.25 %
Poor

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AH

Alan H. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Hillcrest surgery fails patients with poor service

Unfortunately, I find myself joining the ranks of those thoroughly disappointed with Hillcrest Surgery's abysmal service. Getting through on the phone is a challenge, and when you do, appointment slots are consistently unavailable. The staff appear poorly trained and display a shocking lack of concern for patient welfare. I urgently require medication and a doctor's note for work absence, yet securing even a basic consultation seems impossible. I spent an entire afternoon waiting for a promised callback that never arrived. In desperation, I've now registered with Hope House Surgery in Radstock, hoping for a glimmer of competent healthcare. Their standard response - a generic "contact management" directive - is precisely the kind of dismissive approach that epitomizes their systemic problems. These complaints are not isolated; over four years, numerous patients have experienced identical frustrations, ultimately seeking care elsewhere. What's needed are genuine operational improvements, not just placating responses to disgruntled patients.

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HL

Hollie L. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Amazing care from hillcrest medical professionals

I'm truly disheartened by the negative feedback about this medical practice, as my personal experience with Hillcrest has been nothing short of exceptional. The front desk team faces challenging responsibilities yet consistently maintain a warm, welcoming, and supportive demeanor. While wait times might be longer occasionally, maintaining a calm and understanding approach will serve you well. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr Collinson and Dr Rumball, who have been incredibly compassionate, supportive, and dedicated throughout my interactions. The nursing staff are equally wonderful. I genuinely cannot identify a single aspect of my care that was less than outstanding. I sincerely hope they continue delivering such remarkable service.

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AW

Adam W. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Horrific care that destroyed our family's last hope

My recent encounter at Hillcrest Doctors Surgery has been utterly devastating and infuriating. I feel compelled to recount the abysmal treatment, especially regarding my father's cancer management, characterized by excessive delays, discourteous reception staff, and a physician who was a complete disgrace to the NHS. Tragically, my father has since died, and the substandard treatment at this facility may have contributed to his decline. The inability to properly complete even a death certificate further exemplifies their profound incompetence. It is profoundly disheartening that Hillcrest Surgery's staff cannot perform their fundamental duties adequately. The most egregious problem was the unconscionably long waiting periods. Each appointment involved interminable hours of waiting, which was particularly excruciating considering my father's deteriorating medical condition. These prolonged delays inflicted immense emotional strain on both him and our family, causing us to seriously question the medical team's professional capabilities and human compassion. Moreover, the reception personnel demonstrated an astonishing lack of basic human decency and professional conduct. Their consistently hostile and dismissive demeanor was deeply disturbing. We were consistently met with abrupt responses, patronizing attitudes, and a complete absence of empathy. It is utterly shameful that the initial patient contact point exhibited such reprehensible behavior. Dr. Nesbitt, specifically, represented a complete embarrassment to medical professionals. His apparent indifference to my father's critical condition was shocking. He displayed profound medical ignorance, systematically failed to address our legitimate concerns, and appeared entirely disengaged from providing appropriate care. His conduct as a healthcare professional was not just disappointing but fundamentally undermined any confidence in Hillcrest's medical standards. The traumatic experience culminated with my father's death, and even in that devastating moment, Hillcrest Surgery managed to demonstrate further incompetence. Their inability to correctly process a death certificate epitomizes the systemic failures we experienced. Such a fundamental administrative task should have been executed with meticulous precision. Instead, it served as another stark illustration of the staff's comprehensive professional inadequacy. Considering these experiences, I vehemently caution anyone against seeking medical treatment at Hillcrest Doctors Surgery. The persistent inefficiency, hostile attitudes, and comprehensive incompetence make it abundantly clear they are fundamentally unfit to provide the compassionate, professional care patients desperately need during vulnerable periods. The Hillcrest staff should be profoundly ashamed, as their performance catastrophically undermines patient trust and professional medical standards.

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TP

Trish P. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating blood test nightmare at local clinic

Utterly frustrated. Dealing with a concerning medical issue involving my blood I've undergone two blood tests already, but due to an incorrect vial, I was summoned back this morning at 7:45 am, hoping everything would be resolved. Instead, I waited outside until 8am when they finally opened, only to be informed they lack the proper vial and have no idea who scheduled my appointment at that specific time. Can someone explain this complete mess????? Incredibly let down

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RC

Rebecca C. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate doctor who truly listens and cares

Dr. Woo is exceptional. She takes her time during appointments and genuinely pays attention to my concerns. I feel completely supported by her compassionate approach, and I'm truly appreciative of her care.

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MS

Maisie S. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible healthcare that failed me completely

I've been a patient at this facility for years, and I'm done with them for good. Struggling with mental health issues and multiple overdoses over the past four years, I've never once received any meaningful dialogue about my psychological well-being. The staff have repeatedly hung up on me, and the reception team's treatment of patients is absolutely disgraceful. Their lack of compassion and support is unacceptable.

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CC

Claire C. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible customer service and impossible booking system

Completely terrible experience, a frantic rush to call and endless waiting on hold. All available appointment times, both morning and afternoon, have been fully booked.

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GR

Gill R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate doctor provides exceptional personalized care

Despite an initially uncertain scheduling process, the physician promptly reached out to understand my medical concerns. She attentively heard my symptoms and provided a detailed assessment. Additionally, she thoroughly explained the prescribed medication. A few days later, she followed up with additional insights she had gathered from a hospital expert. Her meticulous approach made me confident that I received top-quality medical care.

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CR

Chris R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service that left me completely frustrated

Incredibly discourteous, lethargic, and unproductive front desk personnel. We've encountered numerous errors (involving straightforward medical procedures and treatment), convoluted protocols, and a complete absence of communication, empathy, and engagement from the entire team. Extremely subpar!

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LC

Laura C. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible customer service that left me frustrated

Consistently disappointing service with zero problem resolution, unhelpful communication, and disrespectful front desk personnel

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IR

Industrial R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and endless waiting at this clinic

I've been a patient at this clinic for decades, recalling spending ages in the waiting area back when I was a teenager. These days, when I try to call, I'm disconnected after enduring a half-hour hold multiple times. The front desk staff are completely ineffective, comparable to a useless white crayon. This has to be the most incompetent medical practice nationwide. Total garbage. As far as I'm concerned, they could shut down entirely and nobody would even notice their absence.

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HE

Hugo E. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service ruins potential medical care

Terrible Medical Experience. While a few of the physicians are skilled, the abysmal appointment scheduling process and discourteous, unaccommodating front desk personnel make it virtually impossible to actually consult with a competent doctor.

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PW

Paul W. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst customer service ever nightmare connection experience

Spent countless attempts trying to get my phone set up, making over 100 calls. After waiting 10 minutes on hold, I was simply informed that no appointments were available. Unbelievable. Hillcrest desperately needs to overhaul their appointment scheduling—the current system is absolutely terrible.

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KM

Kate M. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating and endless struggle with healthcare system

Getting a simple triage phone consultation has been an utterly overwhelming ordeal. As a nursing student who understands the immense strain on the NHS, I find it deeply frustrating that doctors - who could potentially reduce unnecessary hospital admissions - aren't taking more proactive steps. I've been forced to repeatedly press the callback button for 10 minutes, only to be informed that the doctor supposedly handling callbacks has no available appointments. How is it possible that all slots vanish within mere minutes of repeated attempts? The receptionist provided me with an ADHD form, which I subsequently returned. When I followed up three weeks later, I was told I'd been referred, but received no explanation from the doctor. I was never offered the option of a self-referral, which could have significantly expedited the process. The constant refrain is simply: call back at 8am. I genuinely cannot comprehend how these doctors manage to sleep at night. COVID is no longer a valid justification for this poor and potentially life-threatening patient experience.

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JS

Justin S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service at local medical practice

The medical facility is woefully undersized for our community's needs. When I called today, I was informed the earliest telephone consultation available is a full month away. It's utterly baffling how national insurance funds are allocated, as they certainly aren't supporting this clinic's operations.

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LK

Lesley K. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating appointment booking at this medical practice

The appointment booking process is frustratingly inefficient. Instructed to call at 8 am, I wasted nearly half an hour on hold, only to be informed no appointments were available. I'm completely bewildered by the current state of this medical practice. Despite the pandemic, their lack of accessibility is unacceptable. Ironically, I've always had excellent experiences with these doctors before, but when I became seriously ill with COVID and desperately needed care, I was unable to see anyone, which ultimately led me to leave the practice.

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NH

Nina H. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Frustrating healthcare with unhelpful front desk staff

The nursing staff at this facility are top-notch. The physicians are acceptable, assuming you manage to actually consult one, but their recommendations become futile when the front desk staff arbitrarily dismiss the doctor's direct instructions to patients. I'm perplexed by how the receptionists seem to consider themselves more medically knowledgeable than the actual medical professionals. Communicating with them feels about as productive as conversing with an inanimate object. Apparently, if a receptionist declares my persistent medical issues are merely routine, despite the doctor's contradictory assessment, their judgment must be infallible!

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SH

Samantha H. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Average!

Compassionate staff helped me get urgent care

I initially encountered difficulties scheduling a morning consultation regarding a breast lump. However, credit goes to the practice manager who attentively heard my concerns and successfully addressed the problem, ultimately finding a solution that worked for me.

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TT

Tara T. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service for thyroid patient's urgent test

I'm currently undergoing thyroid treatment, with my doctor scheduling a blood test in two months (approaching in a week), and RUH also requesting one. Upon calling to book today, the receptionist responded dismissively, insisting I should contact RUH if they requested the blood test. When I mentioned Dr. BARTON also ordered the test, she abruptly asked for my date of birth without even confirming my name, then stated she would check with the doctor about its necessity... I'm still waiting for a response. Consequently, I may now miss my critical blood test to monitor my thyroid medication's effectiveness, all because the surgery's reception refused to process a test recommended by two physicians. My experiences with this medical practice have been consistently negative. While COVID-19 presents challenges, patients with ongoing health conditions still merit quality service and proper attention. I'm rating this one star, and I would choose zero if possible.

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AL

A L. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating medical clinic with impossible appointment system

I've been attempting to schedule a consultation with a physician, but each time I reach out, I'm instructed to call back the following morning. When I do call in the morning, all available time slots have already been claimed. I'm dealing with a facial infection and want to prevent it from spreading further. I'm seeking advice on how to secure a prompt appointment or at least book a slot in advance, rather than repeatedly calling with no success.

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Trusted by GP practices across the UK
Practice Response Rate
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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01761 434469
  • Hillcrest Surgery Wellow Lane Peasedown-St-John Nr Bath BA2 8JQ

Patient Experience Summary

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

32.15 %
Bad

Reception

35.20 %
Poor

Cleanliness

70.00 %
Great

Care

62.80 %
Average

Respect

38.90 %
Poor

Seen on time

40.25 %
Poor
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