Widdrington Station Widdrington Surgery

Always friendly and welcoming reception

Consistently excellent service 👏

Easy to book appointments and friendly reception

Recently joined the practice and have found it straightforward to book appointments. The reception team have been friendly and supportive, and the online booking system works well. I have no issues to raise and have had a smooth experience overall.

Impossible to get a doctor's appointment here

We have struggled to obtain doctor appointments during our nearly two years as patients at this practice. The early morning telephone booking system is problematic. While the support team and nursing staff are clearly making genuine efforts, the overall practice management appears to require significant improvement.

Couldn't get children's appointments when needed

I have been a patient at this practice for two years now, and I must say I have found it to be disappointing. While adult appointments are difficult to obtain, the situation for children's care is particularly concerning, with limited availability for consultations and thorough assessments.

Staff remained helpful despite difficult circumstances

The entire team has demonstrated such warmth, knowledge and support during what must be a challenging period. I really appreciate the care and dedication shown.

Couldn't get through on the phone

The practice did not meet my expectations 😡

Long wait times for urgent phone calls

Waiting considerably longer than expected for a response while undergoing rehabilitation proved to be an incredibly frustrating experience. The service fell short of expectations.

Booking appointment was quick and easy

Attended the surgery recently for a routine screening appointment and would like to express my appreciation for the staff member who helped put me at ease and made me feel comfortable throughout the visit. I had a positive experience when I called to book my appointment and was offered a good selection of available days and times ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Staff attitude made appointments feel unwelcome

The clinical staff at this practice have been unhelpful and dismissive in their interactions with me. I have experienced frustration with how my referrals, medications, and care plans have been handled, and feel that issues have been identified without adequate support or follow-through to resolve them. I would have appreciated a more courteous and constructive approach to my care. I am very dissatisfied with my experience here and would rate this practice poorly. I have found better experiences elsewhere.

Turned away without asking what was wrong

My elderly relative experienced a serious leg injury that became infected. When she contacted the surgery requesting an appointment, she was informed that none were available. She also inquired about seeing a nurse but was told this wasn't possible. The receptionist did not enquire about the nature of her condition before directing her to attend a walk-in centre instead. As she is unable to drive, accessing alternative care proved difficult. When I subsequently visited the surgery in person, I observed the waiting room was empty, which made the unavailability of appointments seem particularly frustrating.

Warm reception and supportive care throughout

Excellent practice. Every interaction with the clinical team has been supportive and caring. The nursing staff are lovely and the reception team very warm and helpful. Thank you.

Serious concerns about clinical care quality

A formal complaint is being submitted regarding concerns about the care received at this surgery. A close acquaintance may now require a procedure as a result of issues experienced during their treatment at this practice.

Phone appointments only, no choice in timing

This is an update to my previous review from over two years ago, when I had a positive experience. Previously, I was consistently able to see the same healthcare professional who had been at the practice for many years. Unfortunately, this is no longer possible. Now appointments are allocated based on availability, with calls coming from whoever is available at times determined by the practice. I raised concerns about the service and received a call from the practice management. The response felt dismissive, suggesting that my complaint was essentially my responsibility for not articulating what specific improvements I wanted. The implication seemed to be that without proposing solutions, I had no right to complain. From a patient perspective, however, I simply wanted to be treated as an individual with continuity of care and appropriate medical guidance during phone consultations with clinicians unfamiliar with my history. I do not wish to pursue this further. I have left this review to reflect my personal experience and the disappointment I feel with a practice where I have been registered longer than many of the current staff. I have now submitted an application to transfer to another local surgery where most of my friends and family are already registered. The fact that I am making this change should indicate that I believe it is the right decision for me.

Good support when you need it

Excellent assistance provided to those seeking care

Left waiting outside in freezing cold

A frustrating experience overall. I was left waiting outside in very cold weather for a considerable amount of time and my appointment did not commence as expected.

Clean surgery with friendly and helpful staff

The facility maintains high standards of cleanliness and organisation, with staff who are approachable and keen to provide assistance. During recent health challenges, the practice has implemented considerable measures to maintain safety whilst ensuring services remain functional. An on-site pharmacy is available for prescription collection, staffed by courteous and supportive personnel. There is also an optician located at the premises, though this operates as a separate entity. The building features wide doorways and automatic door systems, with level access and no steps, making it accessible for wheelchair users. Ample parking is provided, including designated spaces for disabled visitors at the entrance. The practice has adapted its procedures to include safety protocols, with controlled access to certain areas and modified appointment management processes. This is a surgery worth considering for your healthcare needs.

Confusing layout made finding the appointment room difficult

I recently attended the surgery for a scheduled appointment and found the lack of signage and guidance quite problematic. There were no clear instructions visible regarding where to proceed or what steps to follow, with the exception of directions related to the pharmacy area. Better signage and clearer instructions throughout the facility would significantly improve the experience for visitors.

Felt heard and genuinely trusted here

Dealt with all of my concerns. I feel confident in their commitment to privacy.

Long-term patient appreciates consistent quality care

I have been attending this practice for eighteen years and during my infrequent visits, I have consistently experienced excellent care from the clinicians and entire team. Like any organisation, they occasionally encounter minor challenges, but nothing of significant concern. Everyone has their imperfections.

Difficult to book appointments and unhelpful

I would give a lower rating if possible. Obtaining an appointment with a clinician is extremely challenging, and when an appointment is secured, the consultation does not appear to result in meaningful assistance. Additionally, the pharmacy operates with a midday closure period daily. I cannot recommend this practice to others.