Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a markedly polarised experience at this practice, with strong positive and negative themes emerging across the reviews. Many patients praise the professional physicians, welcoming reception staff, responsive communication, and compassionate approach to care. Patients frequently highlight smooth booking experiences, efficient appointment coordination, and a clean, welcoming practice environment. Several long-term patients express particular satisfaction with continuity of care and the attentiveness of clinical staff.

However, a significant proportion of feedback identifies serious concerns around appointment access and waiting times. Multiple patients report substantial delays in securing consultations, with some experiencing waits of several weeks for phone appointments. Reception experience emerges as inconsistent, with some patients describing dismissive or unhelpful staff attitudes, whilst others commend courtesy and responsiveness. A number of patients have transferred to alternative practices citing inadequate clinical guidance, poor care coordination, and difficulty accessing timely medical attention.

The practice demonstrates considerable variation in patient experience, with feedback suggesting that service quality may depend significantly on individual interactions and circumstances. Whilst many patients report confidence in the clinical care received, concerns about appointment availability and consistency of reception experience represent areas requiring attention.

Appointment

65.80 %
Great

Reception

71.30 %
Great

Cleanliness

78.50 %
Great

Care

73.15 %
Great

Respect

70.25 %
Great

Seen on time

68.90 %
Great

Filter

BS

Brian S. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Surgery wait frustrates an otherwise good experience

The medical team has consistently been delightful, courteous, and comforting throughout my experiences, and I've never encountered any issues—until today. I'm puzzled as to why the surgical unit is unexpectedly shuttered for a full hour.

More Info
DL

Danielle L. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff helped me quickly

Excellent physicians and top-notch patient care at this medical facility

More Info
JC

Joan C. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Caring doctors who got us through tough times

Our experience with Dr. R Bircher and the entire staff at Lockside has been truly remarkable over the past couple of years. From the moment you walk in and are greeted by the welcoming reception team to the compassionate care provided by Dr. Bircher, we have felt incredibly supported. Having such a dedicated and empathetic general practitioner during challenging times has been an immense source of reassurance and peace of mind. They truly represent the essence of what a family doctor should be. We are profoundly grateful and cannot speak highly enough of their exceptional service and care.

More Info
TH

Tamara H. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Pharmacy rep really saved the day

I reached out regarding my mom's medication and medical concerns, and the representative I interacted with was incredibly supportive and kind.

More Info
CS

Countryside S. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible care from new docs nearby

I reside just a short distance from the medical practice and have decided to seek care elsewhere. The positives - Welcoming personnel, medication refills are processed with remarkable speed The negatives - Recently graduated physicians. During my two most recent consultations, I received extremely inadequate guidance, and in the most recent instance, I found myself in the emergency department two days later, with the doctor criticizing the practice. Had I adhered to the initial recommendation, my condition would have significantly deteriorated. Their approach seems to follow a mass-processing strategy, with the sole aim of dismissing patients quickly. The service falls far below acceptable standards.

More Info
KA

Keri A. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Smooth locksmith service on a busy day

I'm thoroughly delighted with Lockside - their team is incredibly welcoming, the assistance is prompt, and the entire process has been seamlessly straightforward and efficient!

More Info
LO

Lbk O. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Doctor Adam called and listened well

My family doctor Adam called me today to check on my medication and overall health. We had an excellent conversation. He's an exceptional physician. I'm completely satisfied and couldn't wish for a better healthcare provider. Truly top-notch.

More Info
KK

Kayn K. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Dr emily's compassionate care helped me heal

Visited Dr. Emily for my appointment, and she truly stands out as an exceptional physician. Her comprehensive approach, soothing demeanor, and genuine compassion made me feel completely at ease. As a general practitioner, she is remarkably skilled and brings immense value to her medical team. After our consultation, I felt fully heard and walked away with a precise roadmap for investigating my health concerns. Her care is simply unparalleled, and I couldn't have hoped for a more supportive medical experience.

More Info
KK

Kos K. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff helped me quickly today

An outstanding healthcare facility that truly stands out from the rest, offering exceptional medical services and care that surpass all other clinics in the area.

More Info
JH

Jane H. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly team helped me out big time

The team and medical facility are truly exceptional! They've been a lifesaver for me multiple times under various circumstances. Scheduling appointments can be challenging, but that's pretty standard nowadays.

More Info
MB

Mr B. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Lockside surgery nearly cost her life

AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS!!! THIS IS UNDOUBTEDLY THE MOST APPALLING MEDICAL CARE IN THE ENTIRE UNITED KINGDOM. DR BIRCHER DESERVES TO LOSE HER MEDICAL LICENSE. She left my partner suffering in extreme pain and completely disregarded her concerns. Precisely when professional medical judgment was most critical. This resulted in my partner being forced to change healthcare providers. She has finally received the proper medical treatment. If she hadn't switched doctors, she might have died. Fortunately, she is now recovering. Absolutely no credit goes to Lockside or Dr Bircher - their conduct is utterly shameful.

More Info
JM

Julie M. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick help with friday prescription

Called the clinic last week without scheduling a visit, and the front desk staff was incredibly accommodating. I uploaded a picture, which was promptly passed along to the physician, who quickly authorized my medication on the same day. An absolutely fantastic interaction.

More Info
GH

Gemma H. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff made my checkup easy

The physicians at Lockside Medical Centre consistently demonstrate exceptional care and attentiveness towards their patients, providing top-notch support and assistance.

More Info
VH

Vicki H. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Conjunctivitis frustration at local surgery

I called to inquire about obtaining eye drops for a recurring conjunctivitis case that's already been professionally identified by an optician. The reception informed me that only one doctor is available, so they've disabled the online booking system and aren't scheduling appointments. Incredibly, they suggested I go to the emergency room for conjunctivitis. It's absolutely ridiculous for a condition that would take a physician mere minutes to address. This is typical of my experiences with this medical practice - consistently turning patients away, which I'm certain breaches healthcare regulations. The Care Quality Commission will be hearing about this.

More Info
MP

Mili P. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Wasted morning trying to get help

A thoroughly unprofessional and ineffective medical practice that has completely failed my family. My 12-year-old daughter, who suffers from a persistent bleeding condition, was denied even a basic telephone consultation to discuss potential treatment approaches. I sacrificed an entire morning from my work schedule attempting to address this issue, yet was unable to connect with any medical professional. This experience has been deeply frustrating, and despite consistently contributing my tax payments to support NHS services, we are now compelled to seek private healthcare just to obtain the essential medical attention and care our child urgently requires!

More Info
VR

Vincent R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful staff made my day better

Exceptional staff who consistently demonstrate expertise, warmth, and outstanding support across all communication channels, whether in person or over the phone.

More Info
AP

A P. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick and caring medical help

Absolutely fantastic healthcare facility! Whenever I require an appointment or have any medical questions, they handle my concerns with incredible speed and professionalism. Such a refreshing experience compared to other medical practices I've encountered - they truly stand out in terms of responsiveness and patient care.

More Info
JR

Jacqueline R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Kind staff made our day better

The employees consistently demonstrate exceptional service and are incredibly supportive. They consistently strive to exceed expectations and deliver top-tier assistance. My family and I have continuously enjoyed wonderful interactions with this team. 🙂

More Info
AC

Andrea C. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Rude doctor and unhelpful staff

Recently became a member, and I'm thoroughly let down by the subpar customer support. The physician I consulted appeared dismissive, completely lacking comprehension and compassion. The entire environment within the medical practice felt unwelcoming and uncomfortable.

More Info
RC

Reena C. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Rude receptionist dismissed my newborn's health

The absolute worst medical practice imaginable, constantly finding ways to avoid patient care. The receptionist displays complete lack of compassion and is fundamentally unsuited to working in healthcare. I'm dealing with a newborn and desperately trying to get a doctor to address my health concerns, but the incredibly hostile reception staff arrogantly claims I haven't been sick long enough and dismissively suggests I call 111. If this practice has no genuine interest in supporting patients and providing basic medical assistance, what purpose do they even serve?

More Info

For practice staff

Respond to patient reviews

Monitor satisfaction trends

Generate CQC evidence reports

Claim & Manage Profile
Trusted by GP practices across the UK
Practice Response Rate
0.00%

Shows how often this practice responds to patient reviews and feedback.

About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 0161 3037200
  • Lockside Medical Centre 85 Huddersfield Road Stalybridge Cheshire SK15 2PT

Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a markedly polarised experience at this practice, with strong positive and negative themes emerging across the reviews. Many patients praise the professional physicians, welcoming reception staff, responsive communication, and compassionate approach to care. Patients frequently highlight smooth booking experiences, efficient appointment coordination, and a clean, welcoming practice environment. Several long-term patients express particular satisfaction with continuity of care and the attentiveness of clinical staff.

However, a significant proportion of feedback identifies serious concerns around appointment access and waiting times. Multiple patients report substantial delays in securing consultations, with some experiencing waits of several weeks for phone appointments. Reception experience emerges as inconsistent, with some patients describing dismissive or unhelpful staff attitudes, whilst others commend courtesy and responsiveness. A number of patients have transferred to alternative practices citing inadequate clinical guidance, poor care coordination, and difficulty accessing timely medical attention.

The practice demonstrates considerable variation in patient experience, with feedback suggesting that service quality may depend significantly on individual interactions and circumstances. Whilst many patients report confidence in the clinical care received, concerns about appointment availability and consistency of reception experience represent areas requiring attention.

Appointment

65.80 %
Great

Reception

71.30 %
Great

Cleanliness

78.50 %
Great

Care

73.15 %
Great

Respect

70.25 %
Great

Seen on time

68.90 %
Great
Filter

Order By

Rating