Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a deeply divided experience at this practice, with stark contrasts between positive and negative service aspects. Many patients praise the medical professionals for their skill and compassion, and reception staff are frequently described as warm and courteous. However, these strengths are significantly undermined by widespread systemic issues affecting access and communication. Appointment availability emerges as a critical concern, with patients reporting extended waiting periods, difficulty reaching the practice by phone, and rigid scheduling that lacks flexibility for urgent needs. Several patients describe phone lines remaining constantly busy or unanswered, making initial contact extremely challenging.

Communication failures extend beyond appointment booking. Patients report inconsistent follow-up on prescriptions, delayed notifications, and difficulty reaching doctors for necessary administrative tasks such as fit notes and medical records requests. Some describe having to make numerous attempts to contact the practice, with one patient documenting over attempts to reach staff. Reception experience is inconsistent, with some patients noting pleasant interactions while others report discourteous or dismissive behaviour, particularly when requesting accommodations or clarification.

The practice demonstrates responsiveness to genuine emergencies and shows capacity for supportive care when patients successfully access appointments. However, the barriers to initial access, combined with communication gaps and administrative inconsistencies, create a frustrating experience for many. Long-standing patients have expressed disappointment at perceived deterioration in service quality, particularly regarding appointment availability and phone accessibility.

Appointment

35.27 %
Poor

Reception

42.18 %
Poor

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

51.64 %
Average

Respect

44.55 %
Poor

Seen on time

38.91 %
Poor

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J8

Janie 8. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Doctors always listen and care

The medical staff here are consistently welcoming and supportive. Securing an in-person consultation can be challenging, yet once I've successfully scheduled a visit, the experience is entirely satisfactory.

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AA

Aneciab2 A. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst customer service at the front desk

The front desk staff demonstrate an extremely unwelcoming demeanor, consistently displaying poor interpersonal skills and a complete lack of customer service orientation.

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TT

Totem T. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst service at midday counter

Unhelpful and discourteous employees

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TJ

Tim J. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Waited hours with no help

Completely overwhelmed by staff shortages, it's impossible to even connect with an employee to discuss the issues

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RB

Rebecca B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Doctors who can't diagnose or prescribe right

Utterly ineffective across the board. Numerous appointments where the physician simply shrugs and admits uncertainty about the diagnosis, and repeated instances of failing to forward prescriptions to the pharmacy. On the rare occasions they do remember, they bizarrely prescribe medications that are no longer in production, further squandering the patient's valuable time.

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IM

Indigo M. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to book a doctor's appointment

Absolutely terrible, it's impossible to schedule an appointment under any circumstances. The phone lines remain constantly busy from morning till evening... even the emergency medical helpline was unable to connect with the practice to secure an urgent consultation. There's clearly a serious systemic issue at this medical center that requires immediate attention. Patients absolutely merit a far more responsive and accessible service.

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NW

Neil W. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrated after 50 years of service

The medical practice has completely deteriorated since the pandemic. It's now impossible to communicate with a physician or secure an appointment. Today, I was bluntly informed that no appointments were available whatsoever, and the dismissive receptionist refused to even arrange a doctor's callback despite my being in significant discomfort and requiring medication for my condition. While everyone else has returned to work post-Covid, the doctors seemingly remain absent, with the surgery consistently appearing deserted. After half a century of loyalty, I'm finally switching to another practice. This isn't an isolated incident, but it is definitively my breaking point. These systematic failures are precisely why our hospitals are experiencing such overwhelming strain.

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LM

Lisa M. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Average!

Endless calls to doctor's office

My spouse is battling a severe respiratory infection that hasn't improved, with a diagnosis from a physician last week who advised follow-up if symptoms persist (much easier said than done!). The process of getting medical assistance has been incredibly frustrating - it took two hours just to be told to call back at 12. Apparently, everyone must have been given the same instruction, as he's attempted calling 84 times since noon (and it's now 12:40), with calls not even reaching an automated system. I understand it's a challenging season, but can COVID really still be responsible for such inefficiency? We're trying to be considerate and avoid overwhelming A&E, given how stretched they already are, but their current situation makes such an approach nearly impossible. These are truly disheartening times.

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SP

Sheila P. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Average!

Unhelpful wait for stitch removal

I underwent a minor medical intervention at Kings Mill on December 8th and was advised to have my stitches removed after 7 days, which would be December 15th. When I contacted the surgery to schedule an appointment with any available medical professional, I was informed that no appointments were open until December 19th - a full 11 days post-procedure! The receptionist showed no inclination to assist me further, so I reached out to Ripley hospital, who immediately offered me flexibility in choosing my preferred date and time - a stark contrast in customer service!

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EC

Elaine C. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Doctors failed to diagnose my problem

Completely worthless medical professionals who have done nothing but prescribe me endless medications that provide no relief, all while charging me repeatedly. They seem more interested in pushing pills than actually diagnosing my underlying condition. To make matters worse, they've mysteriously misplaced crucial hospital correspondence and communication, which is utterly unprofessional. The front desk staff treat patients with utter contempt, making it a nightmare just to get an appointment - and when you finally do get in, the staff appear more focused on chatting among themselves than providing any meaningful care. The quality of service has deteriorated dramatically, and the whole experience has become nothing short of a complete farce.

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AP

Andrew P. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Average!

Closed earlier than website claims

Unfortunately, the advertised business hours are misleading, as I just discovered when attempting to call. Contrary to their stated time of 8 PM on Tuesday, they actually close at 6:30 PM Monday through Friday.

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JJ

James J. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick and smooth vaccine experience

Got my fourth COVID vaccine dose at this location. The process was smooth and quick.

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AA

Angellux A. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff helped me through surgery switch

Absolutely thrilled with my decision to switch healthcare providers. Their staff has been incredibly compassionate and supportive throughout my experience. I recognize that booking an appointment might take a week or more, which is pretty standard across medical practices, but they're exceptional at accommodating urgent medical needs and will ensure you're seen promptly if there's an emergency. I have no complaints whatsoever. Plus, they provide the option of in-person consultations, which I really appreciate.

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SD

Steven D. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Surgery went okay but weight bias stings

Generally a satisfactory surgical experience, but ensure you select an appropriate general practitioner. Also, avoid this if you're sensitive about your physique. Most medical assessments will likely attribute concerns to being "heavy" or carrying excess weight.

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RB

Russell B. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Caring team helped me recover well

Recently joined this medical practice as a new patient, and I've received outstanding healthcare support since being released from the hospital. I've been thoroughly impressed by the compassionate and highly competent staff throughout my interactions.

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NB

Nicola B. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Great!

Frustrating morning at the doctor's office

I've been a loyal customer for over five decades without any issues, but recently their phone lines have become consistently jammed. This morning, I attempted to call since early hours and by 8:40, I opted to visit in person. Upon arrival, I found one receptionist assisting a patient while two others were engaged in casual conversation, seemingly unaware of the increasing number of waiting patients. Frustrated, I tried calling again, standing there with a perpetual engaged tone on my phone, yet bizarrely, no phone was ringing within the surgery itself!!!!

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RH

Robert H. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick call led to fast appointment

Spoke briefly with the physician via phone, which quickly led to an in-person consultation just 90 minutes later. These healthcare professionals are exceptional, offering accessibility that many other practices lack. Unlike some medical centers where connecting with a doctor seems impossible, this place truly prioritizes patient communication and convenience.

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KK

Katrina K. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Doctors won't help my sick kid

Utterly disgraceful how medical practices are operating right now. They're refusing to provide in-person care for children, insisting instead on mandatory preliminary phone screenings before any actual appointment can be scheduled.

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JH

J H. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful staff understood my child's needs

I'm now shifting my perspective because they've taken the time to understand my child's unique medical situation and have implemented necessary accommodations. Kudos to them.

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BB

Batmanwestie27 B. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Endless waiting for a short phone call

Enduring a nearly two-week delay for a brief 3-minute conversation is completely unacceptable. Considering I've already gone through the hassle of waiting two weeks for both a phone and video call, I'm done with their inefficient process. I'll resolve this on my own. Utterly useless.

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Trusted by GP practices across the UK
Practice Response Rate
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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01773 546900
  • Parkside Surgery Alfreton Primary Care Ctr Church Street, Alfreton Derbyshire DE55 7AH

Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a deeply divided experience at this practice, with stark contrasts between positive and negative service aspects. Many patients praise the medical professionals for their skill and compassion, and reception staff are frequently described as warm and courteous. However, these strengths are significantly undermined by widespread systemic issues affecting access and communication. Appointment availability emerges as a critical concern, with patients reporting extended waiting periods, difficulty reaching the practice by phone, and rigid scheduling that lacks flexibility for urgent needs. Several patients describe phone lines remaining constantly busy or unanswered, making initial contact extremely challenging.

Communication failures extend beyond appointment booking. Patients report inconsistent follow-up on prescriptions, delayed notifications, and difficulty reaching doctors for necessary administrative tasks such as fit notes and medical records requests. Some describe having to make numerous attempts to contact the practice, with one patient documenting over attempts to reach staff. Reception experience is inconsistent, with some patients noting pleasant interactions while others report discourteous or dismissive behaviour, particularly when requesting accommodations or clarification.

The practice demonstrates responsiveness to genuine emergencies and shows capacity for supportive care when patients successfully access appointments. However, the barriers to initial access, combined with communication gaps and administrative inconsistencies, create a frustrating experience for many. Long-standing patients have expressed disappointment at perceived deterioration in service quality, particularly regarding appointment availability and phone accessibility.

Appointment

35.27 %
Poor

Reception

42.18 %
Poor

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

51.64 %
Average

Respect

44.55 %
Poor

Seen on time

38.91 %
Poor
Filter

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