Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a mixed experience with clinical care consistently praised but significant concerns about reception and administrative processes. Physicians are frequently described as compassionate and clinically skilled, with patients appreciating thorough investigations and supportive care. The practice environment has improved following relocation to accessible premises with enhanced facilities. However, reception experience presents a stark contrast, with multiple reports of discourteous communication, difficulty reaching the practice by phone, and challenges securing appointments through both phone and online booking systems. Patients describe lengthy waits for prescription processing, delayed test result communication, and administrative disorganisation affecting medication management and continuity of care.

Appointment access emerges as a persistent frustration, with patients reporting repeated failed attempts to book consultations and phone lines that are difficult to reach. Some patients note that reception staff appear to act as gatekeepers, creating barriers to medical attention. Communication failures extend to prescription handling and test result follow-up, with patients experiencing delays of several days to weeks. While some patients report positive experiences with newer online booking options and efficient same-day appointments, others describe the overall booking experience as unnecessarily challenging.

The practice demonstrates capability in clinical delivery and has invested in accessibility improvements, yet operational inconsistencies in reception and administrative functions undermine patient confidence. Feedback suggests that reception staff training and communication protocols require attention to ensure patients can access care without unnecessary obstacles and receive timely updates on prescriptions and test results.

Appointment

38.92 %
Poor

Reception

42.18 %
Poor

Cleanliness

72.50 %
Great

Care

68.45 %
Great

Respect

48.76 %
Poor

Seen on time

45.63 %
Poor

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SS

Stettafire S. Google 9 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible healthcare experience that left me frustrated

Never setting foot in this practice again. The staff and service are completely unacceptable.

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SS

Sol S. Google 11 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible customer service at medical clinic

Extremely lacking in communicative proficiency among the front desk personnel.

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KW

Kelly W. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate receptionist goes above and beyond expectations

Kris, who works the front desk at Northgate Medical Doctors, is absolutely phenomenal. When my sick uncle needed assistance, she managed a challenging scenario with remarkable grace, empathy, and skill. Her supportive approach was incredibly impactful, and I'm deeply appreciative of her help. I sincerely cannot express enough gratitude ❣️

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KM

Kerys M. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible medical care destroying mental health support

Absolute worst medical practice I've encountered. They abruptly discontinued my antidepressants during the holiday season. The reception staff seem completely incompetent, and the doctors make empty promises about referrals that never materialize. Despite repeatedly requesting my medication be reinstated, they ignored me for five consecutive weeks. Their approach to mental health is shockingly dismissive - when I was experiencing severe suicidal thoughts and self-harm, they simply told me to take my medication, which I was already doing. This practice epitomizes unreliable, small-minded healthcare. I've been forced to resort to calling 111 just to obtain my essential medications. Their lack of compassion and professional responsibility is appalling.

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JK

Jas K. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Broken system fails patients with serious medical needs

When someone calls a medical practice to report losing function of a limb due to a persistent condition, I find myself unable to obtain any medical support or permitted hospital access. The government seems perplexed about employment challenges. Ill individuals cannot secure medical help because surgery receptionists are arbitrarily making health decisions without examining patient records. I'm now forced to attempt scheduling an appointment weekly. How is one expected to manage daily life with only a single functioning arm? Is this the state of healthcare under Labour's management?

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AC

Anne C. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Smooth professional care at top-notch medical clinic

Punctual scheduling and comprehensive medical care, Outstanding surgical practice.

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SS

Si S. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Easy online prescription service saves time

Excellent experience overall - obtaining recurring medication and consulting with my physician was completely hassle-free and smooth.

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MM

Monique M. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Northgate medical practice fails patient repeatedly

I've been a Chester resident for 12 years and have needed medical assistance twice. The first incident was a complete disaster, resulting in a 3-week work absence due to a misdiagnosis. Recently, the second experience was equally frustrating when reception staff carelessly redirected me to a pharmacy instead of booking a doctor's appointment. This unhelpful approach led me to Northgate, who then sent me to Eastham walk-in clinic. After waiting two hours, I was informed I should have been seen immediately and prescribed strong antibiotics. I wasted two days dealing with Northgate's reception, who seemed more interested in blocking patient access than providing care. I lost 4 days of work pay before Eastham medical walk-in centre finally helped me comprehensively. I'm baffled by the purpose of a doctor's surgery that constantly redirects patients elsewhere. Eastham walk-in centre deserves a 100/10 rating - they were incredibly welcoming, put me at ease, and made me realize I need to change my medical practice. The service at Northgate has been terrible on both occasions. If Eastham walk-in were my primary doctors, I'd be thrilled, but they're too distant and not a full medical practice. Northgate should be thoroughly ashamed of their approach. My strategy moving forward? Try desperately not to get sick!!!!

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OM

Olivia M. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Helpful staff but one rude receptionist ruins experience

The reception staff who are younger are genuinely committed to providing assistance. Nevertheless, there's a particular female employee with whom I've had multiple phone interactions who displays an inexplicably hostile attitude. During one conversation, she even mistakenly addressed me by an incorrect name, which significantly undermined my trust in her ability to handle my inquiry properly. I sincerely hope she is not the one to answer the phone during my next call.

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IS

Ines S. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional care and support from amazing medical team

The entire medical team demonstrates exceptional dedication to patient care. Whenever I required scheduling assistance or administrative support, my needs were promptly and efficiently addressed. All staff members consistently display a courteous and supportive demeanor. I feel truly fortunate to receive treatment at this healthcare facility.

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RH

Rosie H. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Mixed experience with unhelpful staff and good doctors

The medical professionals at this clinic are competent and skilled. However, the front desk staff are extremely unpleasant, displaying a dismissive attitude, lack of patience, and consistently poor customer service.

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MM

Matthew M. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Frustrating healthcare experience with registration issues

The medical professionals here are competent. However, the administrative staff leaves much to be desired. I visited this general practice and was instructed to schedule a blood test. I arranged an appointment with the countess, making sure to update my address with Northgate Medical. Later, I received a call informing me that I had moved outside their service area and would need to register with a different GP. Understandable. I inquired about my pending blood test, and they assured me the hospital would have access to my test results. Upon arriving at the test, I discovered they couldn't locate my records. I contacted Northgate, and they claimed they were unable to help since I was no longer registered with them. Meanwhile, my new GP informed me that no new practice would release my records, and Northgate hadn't actually ordered the blood test. Consequently, I am unable to complete my blood test.

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CW

Christopher W. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible medical experience with unhelpful staff

Medical personnel here display a shocking lack of care and professionalism. They seem disinterested in their fundamental duty to patients and appear to have completely forgotten the core ethical principles of their medical calling.

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EE

Emily E. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick response and caring medical team

As a newcomer to this medical practice, I found the typical morning phone challenges familiar. Opting to use the online PATCHS system to request an appointment proved to be an excellent solution. Their response was impressively swift—I received a callback within just 60 minutes and was able to secure a same-day consultation. Moreover, both the administrative staff and the physician I consulted were exceptionally friendly and welcoming.

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E7

Ellen 7. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate care and quick service at clinic

The personnel were incredibly welcoming and put me at ease instantly. Their professionalism was evident, and they efficiently scheduled my appointment much faster than other clinics I've encountered. I'm genuinely grateful to have found such a competent medical facility that resolved my concerns so smoothly.

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DG

David G. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick and seamless medical booking experience

Quick and seamless check-in process, was attended to almost immediately upon arrival.

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LP

Lynda P. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Great!

Doctors great but receptionists need serious improvement

The medical professionals at this practice are truly exceptional and incredibly supportive. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for some of the reception staff. Recently, after experiencing a serious illness and being prescribed medication, I encountered side effects that my doctor advised me to report. When I called to seek guidance, the receptionist was completely unhelpful and dismissive. Despite my clear explanation that I urgently needed medical advice, she stubbornly insisted I call back at 8am the next morning. This creates another challenge, as getting through at that time is virtually impossible, and by then all appointments are typically gone. I simply wanted some professional input about managing my medication, and I even stated I would speak to any available doctor. However, the receptionist remained curt and unfriendly. It's truly disappointing because, as I mentioned, the doctors themselves are absolutely wonderful and provide excellent care.

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RD

Rory D. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Great!

Great medical team with exceptional care

Throughout my interactions with this practice, I've encountered nothing but smooth sailing, and the personnel have consistently been exceptional.

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JW

Jessica W. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate care that truly helped my migraines

The staff went above and beyond to assist me, dedicating themselves to discovering an effective solution for my migraine issues. Throughout the entire process, they maintained a compassionate and supportive demeanor, making me feel truly cared for.

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DB

Daniel B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional healthcare that truly cares about patients

Truly exceptional general practice clinic - they delve deeply into medical concerns and conduct comprehensive investigations. I'm incredibly relieved and happy that I made the decision to transfer my healthcare here.

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About the GP

  • Verified GP
  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01244 385553
  • Fountains Health Delamere Street Chester Cheshire CH1 4DS

Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a mixed experience with clinical care consistently praised but significant concerns about reception and administrative processes. Physicians are frequently described as compassionate and clinically skilled, with patients appreciating thorough investigations and supportive care. The practice environment has improved following relocation to accessible premises with enhanced facilities. However, reception experience presents a stark contrast, with multiple reports of discourteous communication, difficulty reaching the practice by phone, and challenges securing appointments through both phone and online booking systems. Patients describe lengthy waits for prescription processing, delayed test result communication, and administrative disorganisation affecting medication management and continuity of care.

Appointment access emerges as a persistent frustration, with patients reporting repeated failed attempts to book consultations and phone lines that are difficult to reach. Some patients note that reception staff appear to act as gatekeepers, creating barriers to medical attention. Communication failures extend to prescription handling and test result follow-up, with patients experiencing delays of several days to weeks. While some patients report positive experiences with newer online booking options and efficient same-day appointments, others describe the overall booking experience as unnecessarily challenging.

The practice demonstrates capability in clinical delivery and has invested in accessibility improvements, yet operational inconsistencies in reception and administrative functions undermine patient confidence. Feedback suggests that reception staff training and communication protocols require attention to ensure patients can access care without unnecessary obstacles and receive timely updates on prescriptions and test results.

Appointment

38.92 %
Poor

Reception

42.18 %
Poor

Cleanliness

72.50 %
Great

Care

68.45 %
Great

Respect

48.76 %
Poor

Seen on time

45.63 %
Poor
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