Patient feedback reflects a mixed experience with significant variation in service quality across different areas of the practice. Medical professionals, including doctors and nursing staff, receive consistent praise for their compassion, attentiveness, and clinical competence. However, appointment availability and booking experience emerge as persistent challenges, with patients reporting extended waiting times, difficulty reaching the practice by phone, and limited appointment slots. Reception experience is notably polarized, with some patients describing staff as courteous and helpful, while others cite discourteous behaviour and poor guidance when appointments are unavailable.
Communication presents another area of concern, with reports of cancelled appointments via text message and inconsistent information sharing. Some patients describe feeling reassured by responsive follow-up calls and thorough care coordination, whilst others experienced communication breakdowns and felt their concerns were dismissed. Access barriers are evident in multiple accounts, including challenges for vulnerable patients, registration issues, and difficulty obtaining timely medical attention. The inconsistency in service quality appears to depend significantly on which staff member patients encounter and the circumstances of their visit.
Where services function effectively, patients express strong confidence in the practice and appreciation for continuity of care. Conversely, negative experiences centre on systemic issues with appointment access, reception courtesy, and responsiveness to patient needs rather than clinical care itself. This pattern suggests the practice delivers variable service quality depending on the specific interaction and department involved.
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Reception
Cleanliness
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Seen on time
Respond to patient reviews
Monitor satisfaction trends
Generate CQC evidence reports
Claim & Manage ProfileShows how often this practice responds to patient reviews and feedback.
Patient feedback reflects a mixed experience with significant variation in service quality across different areas of the practice. Medical professionals, including doctors and nursing staff, receive consistent praise for their compassion, attentiveness, and clinical competence. However, appointment availability and booking experience emerge as persistent challenges, with patients reporting extended waiting times, difficulty reaching the practice by phone, and limited appointment slots. Reception experience is notably polarized, with some patients describing staff as courteous and helpful, while others cite discourteous behaviour and poor guidance when appointments are unavailable.
Communication presents another area of concern, with reports of cancelled appointments via text message and inconsistent information sharing. Some patients describe feeling reassured by responsive follow-up calls and thorough care coordination, whilst others experienced communication breakdowns and felt their concerns were dismissed. Access barriers are evident in multiple accounts, including challenges for vulnerable patients, registration issues, and difficulty obtaining timely medical attention. The inconsistency in service quality appears to depend significantly on which staff member patients encounter and the circumstances of their visit.
Where services function effectively, patients express strong confidence in the practice and appreciation for continuity of care. Conversely, negative experiences centre on systemic issues with appointment access, reception courtesy, and responsiveness to patient needs rather than clinical care itself. This pattern suggests the practice delivers variable service quality depending on the specific interaction and department involved.
Appointment
Reception
Cleanliness
Care
Respect
Seen on time
Filter
Positive O.
2 years ago
Bad!
Diane's Terrible Handling of My Insurance Claim
Absolutely dreadful customer service where the reception staff attempted to wrongly charge me despite my insurance company covering the costs. They ignored an invoice from my insurer for weeks, even after being chased twice. Diane was completely incompetent, arguing about payments and absurdly denying the invoice's existence, all while I was recovering from a serious workplace injury. The additional stress of dealing with her was incredibly traumatic. Their communication is completely unprofessional - they cancel appointments via text message and then brazenly deny sending those messages when confronted, even with proof showing Northwood's name. If you challenge them, they immediately accuse you of being rude and adopt a hostile, confrontational attitude. They claim to have policies protecting themselves from abuse, but what about protecting patients? I absolutely refuse to continue seeing them. Thankfully, their Alvechurch staff have agreed to take me on. The treatment at Northwood is appalling, and I cannot recommend them under any circumstances.
Russell G.
3 years ago
Excellent!
Clare and Diane saved the day
The front desk staff, including Clare, and Diane, who oversees the practice, were incredibly supportive and compassionate when I was seeking an appointment for an injection. They went above and beyond to schedule me with a doctor at the most suitable time for my procedure. Their kindness and assistance truly helped calm my nerves. I am deeply grateful for their help. Russ
Joy H.
3 years ago
Excellent!
Quick and Professional Medical Visit
Expertly arranged, welcoming front desk, and swift medical care.
Reiigion P.
3 years ago
Excellent!
Caring Doctors Who Really Listen
The team here is incredibly welcoming, and the physicians demonstrate genuine compassion. They consistently go above and beyond to provide support in every possible way. Considering the widespread challenges facing healthcare in the United Kingdom, it's clear they are truly putting in maximum effort. Without a doubt, this medical practice surpasses any I've encountered before!
Mandy B.
3 years ago
Bad!
Ignored My High Blood Pressure Concerns
I'm deeply disappointed. After learning my blood pressure is alarmingly elevated, I sought assistance, only to be brushed off and advised to contact emergency services or wait until after the weekend. Despite being a loyal patient of this practice for nearly five decades, I've only ever reached out during genuine emergencies.
Martina D.
3 years ago
Bad!
Frustrating phone queue at GP office
The GP Service has its merits, but attempting to contact them is an absolute ordeal. The Reception staff are courteous yet seemingly lost, struggling to guide patients effectively when appointment slots are exhausted!!!!
Stephanie D.
3 years ago
Excellent!
Compassionate Care Through Challenging Times
I've been a patient at the Cotteridge practice for more than two decades, and their staff have consistently demonstrated exceptional compassion and understanding, particularly during my husband's challenging battle with a severe form of multiple sclerosis, when we increasingly depended on their medical care. They perform remarkably well despite significant challenges. My gratitude is profound. When my husband passed away in April, I wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation to the entire Northwood team for their incredible support during that difficult period. Once again today, I'm thoroughly impressed. The vaccine administration for both flu and covid was meticulously organized, and the physiotherapy I received was truly outstanding. I firmly believe this practice delivers an exemplary service, especially in these demanding times. Without hesitation, I would rate them a perfect 5 stars.
Dave C.
4 years ago
Bad!
Impossible to Get a Doctor's Note at 8am
Completely ineffective medical service... had to dial repeatedly six times this morning just to obtain a simple physician's documentation.... their call center was overwhelmed and unable to handle additional incoming calls, and this occurred early in the morning at 8:05.
Deb H.
4 years ago
Bad!
Endless Phone Calls, Zero Appointments
Absolute frustration trying to schedule a consultation. Spent 20 minutes on hold, only to be informed that all slots are booked and the specific physician I require has no availability until next week. No option to pre-book, just told to repeat this entire aggravating process, likely to encounter the same roadblock again 😡
Siddiqa A.
4 years ago
Excellent!
Caring Surgery Helps My Whole Family
I've been registered with this medical practice for a month now, and I can genuinely affirm that they are exceptional. Scheduling appointments for myself and my infant has been completely hassle-free. The front desk team is incredibly courteous and warm, which is a refreshing departure from my previous healthcare provider. Whenever I've had queries or concerns, they've addressed them promptly and efficiently, giving me complete confidence in their support. I feel reassured knowing I can rely on their professional care. My sincere appreciation goes out to the entire team.
Mark F.
4 years ago
Bad!
Nightmare Appointment at Birmingham Medical Practice
Completely and utterly the most terrible medical practice in Birmingham. For someone with a job, securing a doctor's appointment here is practically unattainable. I followed their instructions and called precisely at 8am, only to have the phone abruptly disconnected after being on hold for a full 25 minutes.
Bc B.
4 years ago
Excellent!
Caring Team at Northwood Medical Centre
I switched to this medical practice around two years back after growing dissatisfied with my previous provider and wanting to avoid the expansive clinic located on Bristol Road. Northwood Medical Centre has been exceptional since I became a patient. While there have been a couple of small issues, which is typical of any healthcare setting, I am genuinely thrilled to be part of this practice. The staff are outstanding and demonstrated remarkable resilience during the challenging circumstances of the pandemic. I enthusiastically endorse this medical center to anyone seeking a reliable healthcare provider.
Vix A.
4 years ago
Excellent!
Smooth Healthcare for Over a Decade
Scheduling appointments is a breeze, and the healthcare professionals are consistently compassionate and supportive. The administrative team is equally friendly and accommodating. Throughout my decade-long experience, I've encountered zero problems with this medical practice.
Jade J.
4 years ago
Excellent!
Supportive care during my pandemic pregnancy
When I initially signed up here during my pregnancy at the onset of the pandemic, the circumstances were somewhat chaotic, leading to a few communication mishaps that made me slightly anxious about the healthcare services. However, in the year since my baby's birth, I've consistently received timely doctor callbacks and appointments without a single issue. The service has been completely impeccable. The receptionists are both courteous and professional, and the doctors are welcoming, kind, and easy to approach. Typically, I've always felt uncomfortable visiting medical practices, but here I feel entirely at ease. I've recently relocated and will need to find a new surgery, which I'm dreading, as I'm well aware how challenging it can be to find a genuinely dependable and high-quality GP practice.
Emma E.
5 years ago
Excellent!
Long-time patient loves this efficient practice
I've been a patient at this medical practice for two decades and have consistently found their care to be excellent. While some past reviews have criticized the front desk staff as discourteous, I would characterize them as straightforward and task-oriented. During busy morning hours, their phone lines can be congested, which might require multiple attempts to connect. The general practitioners are consistently approachable and highly competent, and the same can be said for their nursing and healthcare support staff. My family and I have extensive medical needs, which means we've relied heavily on their services throughout the years. I trust this overview provides helpful insight into the practice's quality of care.
Kris B.
5 years ago
Excellent!
Zoe Made My Morning at Reception
Zoe at the front desk is absolutely outstanding. She's incredibly helpful and truly dedicated to providing exceptional service.
Cosmicblonde81 C.
5 years ago
Excellent!
Northwood Medical: 39 Years of Reliable Care
Don't be swayed by the negative feedback; this medical practice maintains impeccable standards of cleanliness and professionalism. The healthcare staff—both physicians and nursing personnel—are truly exceptional, working with remarkable precision and dedication. The front desk team consistently demonstrates courtesy and provides excellent assistance. Any delays beyond scheduled appointment times are simply the result of earlier patients arriving late, which seems to be a nuanced detail that complainants conveniently overlook. Having been a patient at Northwood Medical for nearly four decades, I firmly believe they merit a far more favorable rating than the current 2.9 stars on Google.
Wilson M.
6 years ago
Excellent!
Caring doctors who listen to every concern
The medical professionals at this facility are exceptional, demonstrating remarkable attentiveness to every health concern I bring, no matter how minor, and they consistently provide thorough and dedicated care.
John S.
6 years ago
Bad!
Rude Staff Ruined My Healthcare Experience
The quality has significantly declined recently, with front desk staff displaying an extremely unpleasant demeanor. I'm thrilled to have transferred my registration elsewhere and found a much superior alternative.
Jeanette A.
6 years ago
Excellent!
Smooth Recovery at Mercy Hospital
Exceptional medical procedure, accompanied by outstanding personnel and highly skilled physicians