Patient Experience Summary

Feedback on this GP practice reveals a deeply polarised patient experience, with stark contrasts between those who receive care and those struggling to access it. Positive experiences centre on compassionate communication, welcoming reception staff, professional medical care, and responsive service when appointments are secured. Patients consistently praise the courtesy and supportive approach of clinical and pharmacy teams, with several noting genuine attentiveness during consultations.

However, significant systemic issues dominate the negative feedback. Appointment availability emerges as the primary concern, with patients describing the booking process as nearly impossible, particularly the 8am phone line system which becomes overwhelmed with simultaneous calls. Phone access problems are widespread and recurring, with callers experiencing perpetually engaged lines, long holds, dropped calls, and unanswered phones. These barriers create substantial frustration, especially for urgent cases. Reception experience is inconsistent, with some staff praised for sensitivity and helpfulness while others are reported as dismissive or disrespectful.

Additional concerns include long waiting times for consultations, administrative delays affecting referrals and prescriptions, and lack of continuity when staff changes occur without patient notification. The gap between promised service standards and actual patient experience is particularly evident in urgent care scenarios, where delays contradict stated commitments to prompt attention. While some patients report seamless access and excellent care coordination, the prevalence of booking difficulties and communication barriers suggests these remain significant barriers to consistent service delivery across the practice.

Appointment

38.94 %
Poor

Reception

48.76 %
Poor

Cleanliness

75.00 %
Great

Care

62.18 %
Average

Respect

52.41 %
Average

Seen on time

41.27 %
Poor

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JB

Jason B. Google 8 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Refused care for my newborn grandbaby

My daughter-in-law needed urgent medical attention for her infant at just 12 weeks old, but when she arrived at the clinic, Dr. Nicholson refused to examine the baby, citing that they weren't registered with his practice. His lack of compassion and unwillingness to help a vulnerable child is absolutely appalling.

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SK

Simon K. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Welcoming staff at small town practice

The medical practice in Thrapston provides consistently warm and courteous service, with staff who are unfailingly pleasant and welcoming.

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KW

Kate W. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

First visit was super smooth

I've only just become a patient at this medical office today, and the personnel were incredibly warm, helpful, and made me feel completely at ease from the moment I arrived.

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HC

Heather C. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Urgent asthma request left me waiting

I attempted to book an urgent consultation using the online form during the specified hours, highlighting my critical respiratory condition and suspected chest infection. Despite the website's promise of same-day triage by senior medical professionals, I was inexplicably scheduled for an appointment a week later. Forced to phone directly, I encountered further frustration when told no immediate slots were accessible, with the only alternative being a consultation in Rushden the following day. This experience fundamentally contradicts the clinic's stated commitment to prompt, attentive care for urgent medical concerns. I am utterly perplexed by how the purportedly rigorous triage process, supposedly managed by your most experienced clinicians, could result in such an unacceptable delay. When patients are experiencing serious health complications, the current system demonstrates a profound disconnect between promised service and actual patient care.

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SL

Step L. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Caring staff made our medical visit smooth

The personnel here consistently demonstrate a welcoming, supportive, and incredibly accommodating approach across all interactions. We've observed receptionists who genuinely assist patients instead of creating obstacles, while the nursing staff and doctors are truly exceptional. We wholeheartedly endorse this healthcare facility.

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LF

Lynn F. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Nightmare getting cancer meds refilled

For two consecutive months, I've been unable to obtain my cancer medication, caught in a frustrating loop between the surgical team and pharmacy who demonstrate complete indifference and refuse to accept any accountability. The entire system is rapidly deteriorating, and their treatment of a cancer patient is absolutely appalling and unacceptable.

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BO

Beda O. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Kind staff helped me feel better

My visit to this medical facility was truly exceptional. The front desk team greeted me warmly and displayed remarkable courtesy. Dr. Nicholson demonstrated outstanding professionalism and provided me with excellent guidance. I am grateful for the wonderful care I received.

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CH

Clare H. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Jo helped me through a tough day

Thank you to Jo at the reception desk who was incredibly supportive today. As a caregiver for both my parents and while raising my own family, I sometimes find things challenging. She was genuinely compassionate and helpful when assisting me with arranging my Mum's blood tests and related matters. Compassion makes all the difference when life feels overwhelming. ✨️

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JM

Jason M. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Endless hold and no callback

Update 5.09.2024. Received an email requiring an asthma consultation with a nurse. Attempted to call. Positioned first in the queue. Now 8 minutes have elapsed, and I'm squandering precious time enduring their monotonous hold music. Utterly unbelievable. I've personally arranged a blood test for a long-overdue review - the likelihood of them following through seems minimal. I genuinely inquire: how can this situation be remedied? Surrendering to frustration. Update 28.05.2024. Still anticipating the promised callback. My optimism is rapidly diminishing... Update 12.03.2024. No callback received. Completely defeated. Phone lines remain perpetually unanswered, abandoned after 17 minutes on hold, despite being initially told I was first in line. Even their automated message suggests calling emergency services if urgent. Disheartening. Urgent Care or A&E appear to be the sole viable alternatives. This occurs after receiving a commitment from 111 for a callback yesterday at 1530 - promised within an hour. Absolutely no communication. A total embarrassment. Previously exceptional, now deteriorated into a fundamentally dysfunctional medical practice.

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MK

Malcolm K. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Tracy's helpful app guidance saved me

Despite hearing numerous negative accounts about the service at Nene Valley Surgery, I want to express my appreciation for the receptionist who assisted me last Friday with the ANIMA App. She was incredibly patient, guiding me through the setup process and thoroughly explaining the app's features. Her helpfulness was truly commendable. A special thanks to Tracy for her excellent support.

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JT

J T. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick response to my neck concern

Despite frequent criticism about limited appointment availability, the GP surgery was incredibly responsive when I called about a neck lump. They scheduled me an immediate consultation and swiftly coordinated the necessary follow-up procedures.

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SB

Simon B. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Ignored mri referrals for months

This medical practice is utterly ineffective and frustrating. I received two MRI scan referrals from a physiotherapist at the east northants hub, which the surgery itself recommended, and these were submitted in February and March. The physician was stunned when I revealed that absolutely no action had been taken. Every time I've contacted the surgery, I've been consistently dismissed with vague excuses, claiming a doctor is handling my case. The most ridiculous claim was that I had supposedly spoken with a doctor whom I've never met, seen, or even recognized. I've repeatedly requested an explanation for their apparent reluctance to process my MRI referral, but I'm continually met with complete silence and stonewalling.

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AH

Aleen H. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Nurse Clare left and no one told me

I consulted nurse Clare in October regarding a sensitive women's health issue and returned for follow-up test results, only to discover I'd been scheduled with the incorrect nurse. After waiting six months for a hospital specialist referral, I called today to follow up for the second time. A distinctly unhelpful receptionist informed me that nurse Clare departed in November - information that had never been previously communicated to me. When I attempted to schedule a doctor's appointment, I was told I must call on the day and essentially hope for an available slot. Throughout this entire process, I feel completely abandoned, unsupported, and extremely unwell. This situation is absolutely RIDICULOUS!! If possible, I would assign zero stars to this medical practice and intend to formally complain to the practice manager. Should my medical condition deteriorate to the point of requiring a wheelchair due to these incompetent actions, there will be serious consequences.

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AP

Anastasia P. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Great!

Terrible medical care for pregnant moms

The most dysfunctional healthcare system imaginable!!! For three years, it's been absolutely impossible to schedule any appointment! They demonstrate zero concern for expectant mothers, babies, or children!

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JB

Jason B. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Doctor Nicholson put me at ease

I genuinely appreciate how welcoming and supportive the staff were. My appointment on January 17th was exceptional, with Dr. Nicholson providing a warm and clear explanation that helped me feel completely comfortable throughout the consultation.

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JC

Jon C. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Impossible to book a gp appointment

Absolutely dreadful phone booking process. The clinic insists patients ring precisely at 8am to schedule a doctor's consultation. However, when you dial at the specified time, the phone line is constantly engaged because everyone is attempting to get through simultaneously. After persistent redialing, you eventually connect, only to be informed that all appointments are already taken and you're instructed to try calling again at 8am the next day. It's a completely dysfunctional arrangement with seemingly just a single telephone line and zero queue management. Moreover, they're inexcusably requiring deaf individuals to phone in for appointments, which is incredibly inconsiderate and impractical.

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NP

Neil P. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Gallstones misdiagnosed after weeks of pain

Listen up, you incompetent group of so-called medical professionals: if you're even remotely interested in patient care, you might want to learn that my condition was gallstones, not anxiety. A competent physician diagnosed this in just a quarter of an hour. The excruciating pain I endured was entirely due to your sheer negligence. I'm preparing to pursue legal action against you. Continue overloading your patient roster with cases you're clearly incapable of handling, all while milking the NHS for funds. You're nothing more than parasitic opportunists.

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GA

Gareth A. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Nightmare booking appointments at this practice

Completely terrible!! Steer clear of scheduling any future visits, even if it's a required follow-up for a young child recommended by after-hours staff. They insist you call at 8am, but what's the use when you have to dial 181 times with no one picking up, and even if you miraculously connect, you'll likely make zero progress. This medical practice appears just as dysfunctional as the Higham Ferres location, which is notorious for being among the worst in the region. Genuinely distressed and furious.

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AM

Andrew M. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Nicole made my medical call so much easier

During my interactions with the medical practice's reception, Nicole has consistently impressed me with her exceptional service. Her warm, compassionate approach and willingness to provide thorough assistance sets her apart from other staff members. Nicole truly embodies the professionalism and care that makes this surgery outstanding. Additionally, the physicians themselves are both competent and approachable, always ready to offer helpful guidance.

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AT

Ana T. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to reach this gp practice

I've never encountered a situation quite like this. Attempting to contact this GP is a constant struggle. They are perpetually unavailable, and unlike other practices that at least place you in a queue when you call, getting through seems impossible.

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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

  • 01832 732456
  • The Nene Valley Surgery Green Lane Thrapston Northamptonshire NN14 4QL

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback on this GP practice reveals a deeply polarised patient experience, with stark contrasts between those who receive care and those struggling to access it. Positive experiences centre on compassionate communication, welcoming reception staff, professional medical care, and responsive service when appointments are secured. Patients consistently praise the courtesy and supportive approach of clinical and pharmacy teams, with several noting genuine attentiveness during consultations.

However, significant systemic issues dominate the negative feedback. Appointment availability emerges as the primary concern, with patients describing the booking process as nearly impossible, particularly the 8am phone line system which becomes overwhelmed with simultaneous calls. Phone access problems are widespread and recurring, with callers experiencing perpetually engaged lines, long holds, dropped calls, and unanswered phones. These barriers create substantial frustration, especially for urgent cases. Reception experience is inconsistent, with some staff praised for sensitivity and helpfulness while others are reported as dismissive or disrespectful.

Additional concerns include long waiting times for consultations, administrative delays affecting referrals and prescriptions, and lack of continuity when staff changes occur without patient notification. The gap between promised service standards and actual patient experience is particularly evident in urgent care scenarios, where delays contradict stated commitments to prompt attention. While some patients report seamless access and excellent care coordination, the prevalence of booking difficulties and communication barriers suggests these remain significant barriers to consistent service delivery across the practice.

Appointment

38.94 %
Poor

Reception

48.76 %
Poor

Cleanliness

75.00 %
Great

Care

62.18 %
Average

Respect

52.41 %
Average

Seen on time

41.27 %
Poor
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