Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals a practice facing significant operational challenges that create barriers to care access. Appointment availability remains the most persistent concern, with patients reporting difficulty reaching the practice by phone, lengthy waiting times to connect, and limited slots available. Reception experience is mixed, with some patients describing discourteous and unhelpful interactions, whilst others praise individual staff members for warmth and professionalism. Communication barriers are evident, particularly around the e-consult system, which some find efficient and convenient whilst others experience as circular, slow, and frustrating.

Where patients successfully access appointments, clinical care receives consistent praise. Doctors are frequently described as professional, compassionate, and thorough, and the e-consult platform is valued by many for its responsiveness and accessibility outside standard hours. Nursing staff similarly receive recognition for their skill and supportive approach. However, these positive experiences with clinical staff contrast sharply with systemic issues affecting prescription management, appointment booking accuracy, and the overall booking experience.

The practice appears to operate under significant pressure, with patients acknowledging staffing constraints whilst expressing frustration at the impact on service delivery. Concerns centre on whether current operational methods adequately serve the community's healthcare needs, with particular issues around phone accessibility, appointment scheduling processes, and the balance between online and face-to-face consultation options.

Appointment

22.10 %
Bad

Reception

28.90 %
Bad

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

58.75 %
Average

Respect

31.20 %
Bad

Seen on time

25.50 %
Bad

Filter

GB

Georgia B. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating wait with rude receptionist at 3:30pm

Completely unacceptable experience from start to finish. I endured a 15-minute wait just to initially connect with someone, then was forced to verify my personal details before being left on hold for another quarter-hour. The female receptionist working the front desk late Friday afternoon ultimately disconnected the call without resolution. This level of unprofessional service is outrageous, and I am committed to identifying the specific individual responsible for this abysmal treatment.

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CP

Claire P. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Dismissive doctor left me worried sick

I received advice from a female physician to use paracetamol for my chest discomfort while awaiting a cardiology consultation, after which she abruptly terminated our phone call. Completely unacceptable!

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SJ

Sian J. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Receptionists blocking every patient's path

I intended to begin this review discussing 'the service provided by this practice', but that would be misleading because they essentially offer no service at all. The Practice Manager supposedly has multiple responsibilities, including patient interactions and complaint resolution 🤷‍♀️, conducting staff meetings and performance reviews 🤷‍♀️, demonstrating organizational skills 🤷‍♀️, and overseeing administrative staff 🤔. While patients clearly experience issues with receptionists, it appears these staff members operate outside standard administrative oversight, as the Practice Manager seemingly takes no action to address performance concerns or patient complaints. Attempting to speak directly with the Practice Manager is futile, as he remains upstairs with his deputy, instructing patients to email their concerns and await a response when he's not occupied 😡. The current situation at Parc Canol isn't necessarily the doctors' fault, though it's notable that all competent physicians have departed. The primary challenge begins with navigating the hostile reception staff, who arbitrarily determine whether a doctor's consultation is necessary. Following a predetermined script, they routinely redirect patients to pharmacists - not the surgery's pharmacist, which would require a weeks-long appointment process. Alternatively, patients might be callously advised to visit A+E, or those struggling with mental health receive a dismissive 'Computer says no' response, accompanied by a Crisis team contact number - as if this constitutes adequate care. If I were the Practice Manager, I would be profoundly embarrassed. However, my interactions reveal a leader who is pompous, discourteous, and fundamentally incapable of executing his professional responsibilities.

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GB

Gill B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible phone system drove me away

Utterly frustrating patient contact process, I attempted to schedule an appointment recently and endured 16 busy signals before finally connecting. Being placed in queue positions 11 and then 6 consumed over 5 minutes, forcing me to abandon my efforts. After two decades of loyalty, I'm seriously considering leaving this medical practice because the situation feels unreliable. I sent a message highlighting the dysfunctional communication system and requesting system improvement, but have received no acknowledgment. The current approach seems completely unacceptable and potentially compromises patient care.

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HC

Hannah C. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Dismissive staff ignored my baby's urgent care

I'd give zero stars if I could. These are absolutely the most incompetent doctors imaginable. They refused to see my 6-month-old infant, despite another healthcare professional recommending an urgent consultation. They consistently dodge in-person examinations and seem perfectly content dispensing potent medications through telephone consultations without properly assessing patients. My confidence in this medical practice has completely evaporated - I'd sooner consult an internet search engine for medical advice than approach these physicians. The phone staff's security team is equally problematic, arrogantly presenting themselves as health experts when they clearly aren't. I'm definitively switching healthcare providers at the earliest opportunity. This is unquestionably a dreadful medical practice that everyone should steer clear of. STAY AWAY!!!

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KJ

Kay J. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Fast and solid performance

solid

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PE

Paula E. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Waited hours just to get rejected

Completely useless - they never pick up the phone, and when you finally manage to get through, they flatly deny scheduling an appointment despite you waiting since their opening hours. The customer service is appalling, and I strongly advise against dealing with them.

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EB

Emma B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating wait for son's doctor appointment

I attempted to schedule an appointment for my child and was informed that, for continuity reasons, he must see the identical doctor. The specific physician my son previously consulted only works afternoon shifts, not evening slots. I essentially pleaded with the receptionist to permit my son to consult an alternative doctor, but she adamantly declined. Her demeanor suggested everyone faces similar challenges. The critical issue was that this limitation wasn't communicated during the initial booking. Now, I'm compelled to wait until October's half-term break when I'm not working, just to have him seen for a repeat prescription for his eczema and to obtain more of the cream he was previously using.

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SR

Sian R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Painful esr infection led to emergency room

Directed by an online consultation to visit my physician regarding a severe ESR infection, I was left without an appointment for three days, ultimately forcing me to seek emergency room care. Surely a nurse practitioner could have addressed my medical needs more promptly.

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DO

Deb O. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Hazel saved the day at reception

The experience was decent; I waited in line for some time, but the receptionist Hazel was incredibly supportive and successfully scheduled a phone consultation with the practice pharmacist. The pharmacist who called me was extremely accommodating and effectively addressed my concerns. However, the behavior and occasional discourteous attitude of certain staff members is completely unacceptable.

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JR

John R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Long wait for a simple callback

Called the surgery to schedule a consultation with my doctor regarding blood test results, and was informed I must endure a four-week wait for a return call. Absolutely unacceptable and completely inadequate service.

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RH

Rachel H. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Endless wait for urgent blood test

Impossible to reach by phone, and even when you do, booking an appointment seems futile. I previously submitted an e-consultation, but the GP never returned my call. The wait for an urgent blood test stretched beyond a fortnight, during which my folic acid levels plummeted critically. Despite these frustrations, I must commend the reception staff - they've consistently been courteous and pleasant in my interactions with them.

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DG

Darren G. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Endless calls and no doctor appointment

I've been attempting to schedule a medical consultation for a fortnight, but consistently find zero available slots when I finally connect. This morning, I dialed 67 times starting at 8 AM, with the line continuously engaged until 8:13, then endured a 10-minute, 22-second wait only to be informed no standard appointments remained. I recognize the receptionists are overwhelmed and likely experiencing their own frustrations. Nevertheless, I was curtly redirected to complete an online e-consult, which I absolutely do not want. My medical situation requires a face-to-face examination with a physician. The doctors at this practice are truly exceptional—when you can actually secure an appointment—but every other aspect of their service falls short. I sincerely hope the Practice Management will seriously consider this feedback and previous patient comments, critically examining their staffing, operational methods, and administrative procedures. There must be more streamlined and effective approaches to managing patient care.

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AD

Alistair D. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Long wait times and broken promises

When are they going to understand their obligation to the local health board to provide prompt care and treatment for all patients? Currently, they are falling short of meeting their contractual responsibilities.

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CJ

Chris J. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to book a simple doctor's appointment

I attempted to schedule a consultation with a physician and was met with an incredibly frustrating process. When I called at 4 PM, I was informed that appointments can only be made at 8 AM the next day. I suggested booking a slot in the coming weeks, but was flatly refused and directed to use e-consult. Upon trying the online system, I discovered it's not even accepting appointments. This is an absolutely abysmal service. Now I'm forced to seek an emergency appointment just to request a referral to a specialist. The healthcare experience is deteriorating rapidly and has become completely unacceptable.

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SR

Stewart R. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Maxine's kindness saved my blood test day

I reached out to Parc Canol Group Practice this Wednesday, January 26th, to schedule a late blood test. The phone was answered by Maxine, whose warm and genuine tone immediately put me at ease. She was incredibly compassionate and attentive to my needs, with a delightful sense of humor. Maxine went above and beyond to secure an appointment for me, demonstrating remarkable kindness and efficiency. The level of support and customer service I received was absolutely outstanding. My heartfelt thanks go to Maxine for her exceptional assistance during these challenging times. Her dedication and empathy are truly commendable. Warmest regards - Stew

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GF

Gill F. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Rude staff ruined my first doctor visit

After relocating to this region, I found myself needing to schedule a medical appointment for the first time in four years. The experience was absolutely dreadful. While I comprehend the necessity of screening calls through reception, I must say these staff members are incredibly discourteous, lacking any sense of respect or human compassion. This medical practice is simply an unpleasant environment to navigate.

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NC

Neil C. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Waste of time at this clinic

utterly humiliating impossible to get medical attention online consultation merely suggests calling your physician, front desk staff insists you visit the pharmacy. complete farce

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BS

Benita S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating call center nightmare

The pre-recorded system abruptly terminates the call and bids farewell before you can actually connect with a live representative

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NG

Nick G. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Reception staff can't handle the calls

Staffing for the reception area desperately needs improvement. Their communication and accessibility are incredibly frustrating and challenging.

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About the GP

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

Contact Information

  • 01443 203414
  • Parc Canol Group Practice Central Park Church Village Pontypridd Mid Glamorgan CF38 1RJ

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals a practice facing significant operational challenges that create barriers to care access. Appointment availability remains the most persistent concern, with patients reporting difficulty reaching the practice by phone, lengthy waiting times to connect, and limited slots available. Reception experience is mixed, with some patients describing discourteous and unhelpful interactions, whilst others praise individual staff members for warmth and professionalism. Communication barriers are evident, particularly around the e-consult system, which some find efficient and convenient whilst others experience as circular, slow, and frustrating.

Where patients successfully access appointments, clinical care receives consistent praise. Doctors are frequently described as professional, compassionate, and thorough, and the e-consult platform is valued by many for its responsiveness and accessibility outside standard hours. Nursing staff similarly receive recognition for their skill and supportive approach. However, these positive experiences with clinical staff contrast sharply with systemic issues affecting prescription management, appointment booking accuracy, and the overall booking experience.

The practice appears to operate under significant pressure, with patients acknowledging staffing constraints whilst expressing frustration at the impact on service delivery. Concerns centre on whether current operational methods adequately serve the community's healthcare needs, with particular issues around phone accessibility, appointment scheduling processes, and the balance between online and face-to-face consultation options.

Appointment

22.10 %
Bad

Reception

28.90 %
Bad

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

58.75 %
Average

Respect

31.20 %
Bad

Seen on time

25.50 %
Bad
Filter

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