Feedback reflects significant challenges with appointment access and booking systems, which dominate patient concerns. Extended waiting times on phone lines, malfunctioning online booking platforms, and restricted appointment availability windows create substantial barriers to care. Reception experience is mixed, with some patients reporting helpful and compassionate staff whilst others describe dismissive or discourteous interactions. When patients do access care, medical staff including doctors and nurses are frequently praised for professionalism, compassion, and quality treatment. However, communication gaps emerge around test results, medication management, and follow-up care coordination. The practice environment requires attention, with reports of outdated facilities and limited waiting area amenities. Positive themes include same-day appointments for urgent cases and responsive care once access is achieved, though these remain inconsistent across patient experiences.
Key service improvements needed centre on booking system functionality and phone accessibility. The Ask My GP online system experiences frequent technical failures, and telephone queues regularly exceed 30 minutes with calls disconnecting. Reception staff capacity appears stretched, affecting both courtesy and responsiveness. Patients report particular difficulty scheduling routine appointments and medication reviews, with some experiencing gaps in prescription continuity. Whilst clinical care quality receives consistent praise, the pathway to accessing that care remains frustratingly difficult for many patients, leading some to seek alternative providers or emergency services.
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Feedback reflects significant challenges with appointment access and booking systems, which dominate patient concerns. Extended waiting times on phone lines, malfunctioning online booking platforms, and restricted appointment availability windows create substantial barriers to care. Reception experience is mixed, with some patients reporting helpful and compassionate staff whilst others describe dismissive or discourteous interactions. When patients do access care, medical staff including doctors and nurses are frequently praised for professionalism, compassion, and quality treatment. However, communication gaps emerge around test results, medication management, and follow-up care coordination. The practice environment requires attention, with reports of outdated facilities and limited waiting area amenities. Positive themes include same-day appointments for urgent cases and responsive care once access is achieved, though these remain inconsistent across patient experiences.
Key service improvements needed centre on booking system functionality and phone accessibility. The Ask My GP online system experiences frequent technical failures, and telephone queues regularly exceed 30 minutes with calls disconnecting. Reception staff capacity appears stretched, affecting both courtesy and responsiveness. Patients report particular difficulty scheduling routine appointments and medication reviews, with some experiencing gaps in prescription continuity. Whilst clinical care quality receives consistent praise, the pathway to accessing that care remains frustratingly difficult for many patients, leading some to seek alternative providers or emergency services.
Appointment
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Care
Respect
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Jason M.
2 years ago
Excellent!
Smooth afternoon ride downtown
Cozy, swift, and hushed.
Angela F.
2 years ago
Great!
Frustrating wait times at this clinic
Scheduling sessions at this facility proves challenging, with long wait times and limited availability making it frustrating to secure a convenient time slot.
Jasmine T.
2 years ago
Poor!
Phone-obsessed staff ignored waiting patients
The reception staff demonstrate a completely impractical approach to patient interactions. When you arrive in person, both front desk employees remain engrossed in phone conversations, disregarding the crowded waiting area. Similarly, attempting to contact them by phone results in an exasperating wait of around five minutes, regardless of whether there are other callers or not. Their current operational method is fundamentally flawed and requires significant improvement.
Alice P.
2 years ago
Excellent!
Friendly pharmacy team through the years
Over the years, I've consistently received excellent assistance from the pharmacy staff, and they have always been supportive during my visits.
Carolin C.
2 years ago
Poor!
Cancelled while pregnant and feeling sick
I arrived 12 minutes past my scheduled time, and as a result, they terminated my appointment. I was pregnant and unwell for a week, which was my reason for booking the visit. Because of my 12-minute delay, they completely canceled my appointment. It was absolutely terrible.
Ray G.
2 years ago
Average!
Confused about my pre-diabetes diagnosis
I'm uncertain about the events at Penn Hill Surgery following my blood test. The Receptionist provided my results and informed me I'm now pre-diabetic, which left me puzzled. No guidance was offered about next steps. When I phoned back seeking clarification, I was told a health Coach could contact me. While they did call eventually, I had to initiate and pursue this follow-up myself. This level of service is inadequate. Penn Hill Surgery needs to significantly enhance their patient communication and support process.
Lauren X.
2 years ago
Bad!
Receptionist missed my urgent health concern
I reached out to my general practitioner after consulting 111 over the weekend due to my deteriorating condition. I urgently requested a doctor's consultation, and the receptionist submitted a request through the ask my gp system, which seemed to be malfunctioning that day. Surprisingly, the receptionist categorized my request as "not urgent," leading to an extensive wait for a doctor's call. As my health continued to decline, I was ultimately forced to visit the Emergency department. I am thoroughly appalled by the receptionist's handling of my case, as it clearly warranted an urgent response given my interaction with 111.
Lis S.
2 years ago
Bad!
Waited 90 minutes and got dropped
Substandard healthcare service. I initiated contraceptive medication and needed a routine review. The first scheduled appointment I couldn't attend, which was understandable. During my second attempt, I endured a 90-minute wait before departing, only to immediately receive a missed appointment notification. Prescription collection has since become challenging. I requested a pill review via text in late September and was offered an appointment not until October 27th. Upon attempting to collect my medication today, I discovered they had completely removed my prescription from NHS records, instructing pharmacies to deny even emergency supplies. I'm now unable to continue my daily medication until late October, which is completely unacceptable. The entire process demonstrates terrible communication, unprofessional conduct, and an alarming lack of patient care. Their website offers no meaningful method for addressing concerns, and problem resolution seems virtually impossible. As a direct result of this experience, I am definitively changing medical practices.
Peter ..
2 years ago
Average!
Terrible phone wait during urgent health need
Tried contacting Askmy Gp customer support and it's been a complete waste of time. Spent over half an hour on hold, and still no one has picked up the phone to assist me.
Lorraine F.
2 years ago
Bad!
Rude receptionist ignored my elderly mom
I'm not a patient at this medical practice, and I'm grateful for that. My mother is, and I was completely shocked by the receptionist's lack of compassion during a recent phone call. They were the most callous individual I've ever encountered, and I intend to bring this matter to the practice's attention. Older patients should be treated with dignity and care, not made to feel like an inconvenience. You should be deeply embarrassed by your behavior... this rating is far too generous!
N J.
3 years ago
Bad!
Sad decline of a once-great surgery
This surgical center used to operate smoothly in the past, but has since declined significantly. It's truly disheartening. I'm skeptical about the working conditions for employees. While a few staff members remain compassionate, the overall situation feels detrimental to both the community and the team's morale.
Lee D.
3 years ago
Great!
Parking nightmare almost ruined my morning
Finding a spot was an absolute nightmare, and I almost didn't make it to my scheduled meeting on time.
Geoff C.
3 years ago
Excellent!
Quick care when I needed help
Recently, I've been struggling with a severe illness, battling a high fever and a persistent, deep chest cough. Throughout the past fortnight, the medical practice has been incredibly supportive, offering me three separate consultations with different physicians and coordinating comprehensive hospital diagnostic tests. Moreover, when the initial prescription they provided had potential side effects that would have required me to avoid sunlight for an extended period, they promptly adjusted the medication to better suit my needs. Their entire approach was thoroughly professional and genuinely compassionate, which I deeply appreciate.
Mary W.
3 years ago
Excellent!
Receptionists made my stressful day better
I want to express my appreciation for the outstanding service provided by your front desk staff. They are remarkably competent, compassionate, and supportive. Moreover, their ability to inject a bit of humor into interactions is particularly welcome during stressful moments - ladies, please continue your fantastic approach.
Matthew B.
3 years ago
Bad!
Worst support I've ever dealt with
These folks deserve the absolute lowest rating possible - their customer assistance is completely unacceptable and frustrating beyond words
Melanie (.
3 years ago
Poor!
Useless receptionists made getting help impossible
The reception staff are incredibly unaccommodating, constantly directing patients to Askmygp for booking appointments, which is completely ineffective due to its extremely limited availability. My only option for securing an appointment was to contact 111, after which the staff suddenly became cooperative. These are undoubtedly the most incompetent and disinterested medical practice receptionists I've ever encountered, showing absolutely no concern for patient needs.
David P.
3 years ago
Bad!
Frustrating system that interrupts everything
Interrupts constantly while composing a message. Mobile devices perpetually disabled. Completely ineffective. Absolutely the most terrible general practice clinic in Somerset.
Jazz M.
3 years ago
Bad!
Constant app frustration and unhelpful staff
The app is perpetually malfunctioning, either completely unavailable or abruptly shutting down mid-request. The receptionists are overwhelmingly unhelpful, with many displaying a dismissive and discourteous attitude, even denying any technical issues when confronted. They only become cooperative when 111 intervenes and forces them to schedule an appointment, which is absolutely absurd that external services must compel basic customer service. Adding to the frustration, today's experience was even worse - the app remained entirely non-functional, phone lines were continuously engaged, and after enduring a 7-minute wait and being 6th in the queue, the call was suddenly disconnected with no possibility of reconnecting. My unequivocal advice is to avoid this medical practice if you have any alternative options available.
Tom M.
3 years ago
Bad!
Booking process drove me crazy
Truly frustrated by the booking process and the complexity of scheduling an appointment. I want to be clear that my critique is not directed at the employees, but I must express my genuine dissatisfaction with the system.
Emily D.
3 years ago
Bad!
Frustrating care and no doctor contact
My spouse is associated with this medical clinic and is genuinely attempting to obtain assistance, but whenever he attempts to contact them, he is redirected to another service. Throughout his entire time with this practice, he has never even met his assigned physician. Moreover, he is currently on some potent medications that require a comprehensive medication review every half-year, yet he has not received such a review.