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.
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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 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
Reception
Cleanliness
Care
Respect
Seen on time
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Dean D.
5 years ago
Poor!
Missed calls and medical frustration
I requested a repeat prescription three weeks ago and was never informed that I needed a review, despite asking about it during the initial phone call. I only discovered this after running out of medication. An emergency prescription was issued on Friday afternoon, but I didn't receive a notification until Monday, which would barely cover me until next Friday. Due to my memory issues, I heavily rely on reminder texts, yet no reminder was sent for today's review. I missed three calls within five minutes and the last call by just a few minutes. When I attempted to call back at 10:40 (after a missed call at 10:37), the receptionist became passive-aggressive, refusing to transfer me to the doctor who was allegedly on another call. When I questioned the timing, she fell silent, and I hung up in frustration. What should have been a simple resolution has now become complicated due to their rigid adherence to rules and lack of flexibility in customer service. There's been no consideration for why I might have missed the calls, which is particularly disappointing coming from medical professionals. Additionally, two medical issues I raised a year and a half to two years ago remain unaddressed. I will be filing a complaint with the surgery for neglect and previous minor issues, as the quality of care continues to decline. If the complaint isn't taken seriously, I'm prepared to escalate it. The only professional aspect of this surgery now is its physical appearance.
Leigh S.
5 years ago
Average!
Fit notes drama every single month
I consistently have positive experiences at Parkside Surgery, with doctors who are compassionate, attentive, and meticulous in their approach. During appointments, I never feel hurried and always receive the necessary time and attention. However, I encounter a recurring monthly challenge. I require monthly fit notes from my doctor, which must be precisely dated and promptly sent off within a strict timeframe. Regrettably, each month brings complications, typically involving incorrect dates that must be meticulously accurate. Attempting to contact the doctors is frustratingly difficult, with phone calls frequently going unanswered. When I finally connect with the receptionists, who are always pleasant, I must repeatedly explain my requirements and explicitly specify the exact dates needed for the notes. The success rate for correctly completing these notes remains inconsistent, hovering around 50%. When errors occur, I'm forced to restart the entire exhausting process. Missing the submission deadline carries severe financial repercussions, and this ongoing ordeal continuously undermines my mental well-being.
Claire K.
6 years ago
Excellent!
Parkside saved me after moving here
Since moving to a new area and experiencing a terrible time with my previous medical practice, Parkside has been a breath of fresh air. Their service is fantastic, and the general practitioners are truly exceptional.
Matt C.
7 years ago
Poor!
Awful service and dismissive medical staff
I'm puzzled by the positive reviews this place has received, as those praising it clearly haven't experienced the frustrating treatment I've encountered. It feels like struggling through thick wallpaper paste while being weighed down by indifferent staff and doctors who seem to radiate contempt and dismissiveness. With only a handful of exceptions, the overall attitude here is one of complete disregard and ignorance towards patients' concerns.
Adam L.
7 years ago
Excellent!
Doctors who truly listened to my concerns
Outstanding medical procedure at this facility. The entire team, from the support staff to the physicians, is exceptional. They consistently demonstrate attentiveness and genuinely value patient concerns.
Samantha A.
8 years ago
Excellent!
Caring team made my medical visit smooth
Exceptional medical professionals with a welcoming and warm front desk team
David B.
8 years ago
Excellent!
Skilled surgeons solved my health problem
Top-notch medical professionals, undoubtedly the finest in the region. I wholeheartedly endorse this surgical procedure.
Dianne H.
9 years ago
Excellent!
Friendly staff made my checkup smooth
Top-notch customer support and impressive navigation system. The medical staff, including nurses and front desk personnel, were exceptional.