Patient feedback reveals a practice with significant operational challenges alongside pockets of quality clinical care. Access to appointments remains a persistent concern, with patients reporting extended telephone waiting times, limited booking availability, and a malfunctioning online system that frequently shows no slots. Reception experience is inconsistent, ranging from helpful and accommodating to dismissive and discourteous, creating frustration when patients attempt to book or discuss urgent concerns.
Medication management and follow-up support have been problematic, with delays in prescription processing and inadequate communication about test results and next steps. However, when patients successfully access clinical consultations, many report compassionate and attentive care from medical and nursing staff, with doctors demonstrating good listening skills and thoughtful treatment recommendations. The practice environment itself has been noted as run-down and uninviting. These contrasting experiences suggest the practice delivers quality clinical care but struggles significantly with appointment access, booking systems, reception consistency, and administrative responsiveness.
Appointment
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Seen on time
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Claim & Manage ProfileShows how often this practice responds to patient reviews and feedback.
Patient feedback reveals a practice with significant operational challenges alongside pockets of quality clinical care. Access to appointments remains a persistent concern, with patients reporting extended telephone waiting times, limited booking availability, and a malfunctioning online system that frequently shows no slots. Reception experience is inconsistent, ranging from helpful and accommodating to dismissive and discourteous, creating frustration when patients attempt to book or discuss urgent concerns.
Medication management and follow-up support have been problematic, with delays in prescription processing and inadequate communication about test results and next steps. However, when patients successfully access clinical consultations, many report compassionate and attentive care from medical and nursing staff, with doctors demonstrating good listening skills and thoughtful treatment recommendations. The practice environment itself has been noted as run-down and uninviting. These contrasting experiences suggest the practice delivers quality clinical care but struggles significantly with appointment access, booking systems, reception consistency, and administrative responsiveness.
Appointment
Reception
Cleanliness
Care
Respect
Seen on time
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Cosimo F.
4 years ago
Excellent!
Nurse E. Law made my blood test smooth
5 stars solely for the staff. My experience has been excellent. The personnel are accessible and highly skilled, despite being incredibly swamped. The physician was both kind and precise. The front desk representatives demonstrated remarkable professionalism. I particularly want to highlight nurse E. Law who conducted my blood test - she was absolutely phenomenal. Once you're inside the medical facility, everything runs smoothly... the challenge lies in the preliminary process, where you must feel quite unwell before gaining entry😅
Penn Hill Surgery
3 years agoDear Cosimo, Many thanks for your five-star review and taking the time to pass on your kind comments about the service you received from our reception and nursing team. It is very true to say that we are experiencing extreme pressures caused by both high demand and a lack of capacity. We therefore have to take the hard decision to restrict access to urgent and acute work more often than we would wish. We are trying very hard to recruit both permanent and locum clinicians to help in the medium to long term. I thank you for your patience. best wishes, Brian Matthews, Practice Manager
Junior J.
4 years ago
Bad!
Impossible to reach customer support
Higher likelihood of hitting the jackpot in the lottery than actually connecting with a human or securing a booking slot
Penn Hill Surgery
3 years agoI am sorry that you were clearly unhappy with the service from the practice and have left a one star review. If you would like to discuss the reasons for your dissatisfaction, please do not hesitate to contact me at the surgery. It is true to say that access is not as good as we would like it to be due to having a severe staff shortage. We are working hard to recruit additional clinicians but it is a tough situation. I can only apologise and ask for patience. The "askmygp" online tool is a useful way of contacting us during the peak time from 8:30am, you can ring us irrespective during core hours if your need is urgent plus we have details of other useful support options on our practice website. Kind regards, Brian Matthews, Practice Manager
Laszlo C.
4 years ago
Excellent!
Caring doctors who feel like family
I hold immense appreciation and regard for each staff member at this medical practice. Having relocated from London 12 years ago, my health has deteriorated, yet I'm profoundly grateful to be here. Were I to fall sick in London now, I'm deeply concerned I might not have pulled through. We will consistently stand behind Penhill surgery, despite occasional disagreements - much like family members who may quarrel but always know issues can be worked out because of the genuine compassion shown by everyone here. Thank you Penhill 😷❤❤😷 Maria & Laszlo Clements.
Penn Hill Surgery
4 years agoDear Mr & Mrs Clements, thank you for taking the time to send your kind words. I will share with all the staff and I am sure it will give them a real boost to read. We are always here to receive constructive feedback from service users on all aspects of our work. kind regards, Brian Matthews, Practice Manager
Kate W.
4 years ago
Excellent!
Amy saved the day for my passport
I was seeking assistance with obtaining a document for my daughter's passport application, and Amy was incredibly supportive. She went the extra mile to resolve my request efficiently and effectively. The service was outstanding, and I am truly appreciative. Many thanks to Amy - she truly deserves top marks! ✨
Penn Hill Surgery
4 years agoI am grateful for you taking the time to post your feedback. I have shared them with the team. We value all constructive feedback about the services we offer and encourage all eligible patients who wish to play a part in developments at Penn Hill to consider joining our patient participation group. best wishes, Brian Matthews - Practice Manager
Alice's J.
4 years ago
Great!
Blonde receptionist Amy's compassionate support
I want to highlight the exceptional performance of the young blonde receptionist, Amy, who consistently demonstrates outstanding professionalism and warmth when interacting with clients. I observed her compassionate approach firsthand when she skillfully handled a distressed woman experiencing significant emotional difficulty related to medication access. Her gentle demeanor and willingness to invest personal time in ensuring the individual's emotional well-being was truly heartwarming. Amy embodies genuine care and represents a critical asset to her workplace, providing support that goes far beyond standard customer service.
Penn Hill Surgery
4 years agoI am grateful for you taking the time to post your compliments regarding the service you have received and witnessed at the surgery. I have shared them with the hardworking and under-appreciated staff member who was delighted. I welcome constructive feedback about the services we offer and encourage all eligible patients who wish to play a part in developments at Penn Hill to consider joining our patient participation group. best wishes, Brian Matthews - Practice Manager
Robert C.
4 years ago
Bad!
Worst reception staff i've ever dealt with
Getting in touch with the reception was an exercise in frustration, and their level of assistance was practically nonexistent. The whole experience was utterly ridiculous.
Penn Hill Surgery
4 years agoI am sorry that you have not been satisfied with the service you have received at the surgery and in particular from the reception team. Please do contact me at the surgery if you would like to discuss the problem further. Kind regards, Louise Walker, Practice Manager
Hoskins W.
4 years ago
Excellent!
Compassionate doctor helped my mom today
I recently visited Dr. Talbot for my mother's medical consultation and was thoroughly impressed by her compassionate, tactful, and highly professional approach to patient care. My sincere appreciation goes out to her for her excellent treatment.
Penn Hill Surgery
4 years agoThank you very much for taking the time to leave such a positive review which I will ensure is shared with Dr Talbott. Kind regards, Louise Walker, Practice Manager
Maxi W.
4 years ago
Bad!
Receptionist Angela made my day worse
Generally, my experience with the service has been quite good, with most receptionists being pleasant, courteous, and supportive. However, I've recently encountered Angela on two occasions, and her demeanor is markedly different - she comes across as discourteous, curt, and seemingly disinterested in her work and the patients she serves. Her interpersonal skills could definitely use some improvement.
Penn Hill Surgery
4 years agoI am sorry that you are so disappointed with the practice that you have left a one star review. We do take all complaints seriously and will ensure that the points you raise are discussed fully with staff involved. Kind regards, Louise Walker, Practice Manager
Charlotte S.
4 years ago
Bad!
Unhelpful staff during family medical crisis
Securing assistance for my elderly mother proved to be an immense challenge a few years back when she was hospitalized. Two nurse home visits had supposedly declared her well, but after a friend's visit, she collapsed and was urgently admitted to Yeovil Hospital. Upon personally visiting the surgery to discuss the matter, I encountered a staff member who was extremely discourteous. Being non-local, I couldn't return to follow up, so I ultimately collaborated constructively with Yeovil Hospital to facilitate her homecoming. Currently (Dec 2021), I find myself in a comparable predicament with my mother back in the hospital. I'm deeply anxious about attempting to contact the surgery again for support. As a result, I'm exploring alternative medical practices, given that she lacks internet access and cannot successfully communicate with anyone.
Penn Hill Surgery
4 years agoDear Ms Stirling, I am sorry you experienced difficulty in 2019. Home visits by nurses are done by the community nursing team who are part of Somerset Partnerships/Somerset Foundation Trust. However, if there is anything at all that I can do to help you at the moment regarding your mother's care, please do not hesitate to contact me at the surgery. Kind regards, Louise Walker, Practice Manager
J A.
4 years ago
Great!
Long wait but worth the help
During these challenging circumstances, the practice offers valuable support. While the initial phone wait can be lengthy, the receptionist proves incredibly accommodating and compassionate once the call is connected. Compared to other medical offices my acquaintances visit, this practice demonstrates significantly more commitment to patient care. The in-person welcome and greeting service is particularly commendable. Sincere appreciation for their efforts 🙏
Penn Hill Surgery
4 years agoThank you for giving such positive feedback which I will ensure is shared with the practice team. Kind regards, Louise Walker, Practice Manager
Ambra G.
4 years ago
Bad!
Impossible to reach my gp in 10 minutes
Getting medical assistance here is a nightmare. Communication with healthcare professionals seems deliberately obstructed. Surely someone seeking medical advice must have a genuine health concern! The only contact method is through their website's GP inquiry section, but it's restricted to an absurdly narrow time slot that varies daily. Some days, like Thursday, you're limited to a mere 10-minute window. I'm baffled by how their availability has become even more restricted compared to the peak of the pandemic. Their scheduling approach makes absolutely no sense - it's as if they're intentionally making it challenging for patients to access basic healthcare support.
Penn Hill Surgery
4 years agoI am so sorry that you have had difficulty arranging an appointment at the surgery. When Ask My GP is closed (for safety reasons due to the number of requests), any urgent queries can of course be directed through our reception team. The demand for appointments is currently very high and continues to rise. Once again may I apologise for the difficulties you have experienced and if you would like to discuss this with me further, please do not hesitate to contact me at the surgery. Kind regards, Louise Walker, Practice Manager
Gemma R.
5 years ago
Bad!
Frustrating wait times and unhelpful staff
I've been a patient at this medical practice since childhood and was satisfied until recently. Getting an appointment with a doctor has become increasingly difficult, and booking is no longer straightforward through reception. Instead, you must use ask my GP, which only accepts online requests for a brief 8-15 minute window. Additionally, I found a recent phone consultation with a doctor to be unprofessional, and I felt like an unwelcome burden during our interaction. As a result, I'm actively seeking a new healthcare provider.
Penn Hill Surgery
4 years agoI am sorry that you were so unhappy with your recent experience at the surgery and I would be very happy to discuss and investigate this further if you would like to contact me. Kind regards, Louise Walker, Practice Manager
J J.
5 years ago
Bad!
Rude receptionists ruined my 25-year relationship
I've been a loyal patient at this medical practice for a quarter-century, but the quality of service over the past five years has been utterly unacceptable. The reception staff are shockingly discourteous, disrespectful, and completely unprofessional! After unsuccessfully attempting to schedule an appointment by phone and finding the online booking system non-functional, I personally visited the surgery as my last resort. I was confronted by an incredibly dismissive employee who couldn't be bothered to even glance up from her laptop while I was speaking. When I requested a complaint form, she and her colleague responded with mockery, laughing and making me feel humiliated by suggesting the form was pointless. How can healthcare professionals become so callous and indifferent? My heart goes out to elderly and vulnerable patients trying to access medical care at this facility, and I sincerely hope management implements substantial improvements to address these serious shortcomings.
Penn Hill Surgery
5 years agoDear Mr Talbot, I am sorry to hear that your recent experience at Penn Hill Surgery was so unsatisfactory. I am particularly concerned that you were told that there is no point in completing a complaints form as we do take all patient complaints very seriously and discuss them and learn from them as a team. I would be very happy to discuss this with you further should you wish to contact me at the surgery. Kind regards, Louise Walker, Practice Manager
Di B.
5 years ago
Great!
Relaxed appointment with minimal waiting time
It was a very calm and professional visit. The seating in the waiting area was arranged nicely with good spacing, and the appointment ran smoothly without any lengthy delays. Everything was handled efficiently. Much appreciated!
Penn Hill Surgery
5 years agoThank you very much for your very positive feedback which I will share with the Penn Hill Team. Kind regards, Louise Walker, Practice Manager
Enjiebenjy E.
5 years ago
Bad!
Impossible to get a doctor's appointment
Absolutely dreadful medical practice! The front desk personnel are discourteous and dismissive. Scheduling an appointment is virtually impossible unless you contact your GP precisely at 8am sharp. I attempted to book a slot, only to be redirected to an online system that was simultaneously declared non-functional! I'm now completely blocked from seeing or communicating with any medical professional! This isn't an isolated incident - it's a recurring nightmare. What began as a minor health concern has now escalated to requiring hospital intervention! I'm ready to abandon this entire practice due to the constant frustration and barriers preventing basic healthcare access. Their management is incompetent, and I'm certain my health has deteriorated because treatable conditions are being ignored by this absurd, dysfunctional system!
Penn Hill Surgery
5 years agoI am sorry that you are so unhappy with the service you have received at the surgery. I would be very happy to discuss the Ask My GP system and our access arrangements if you would like to contact me at the surgery. Kind regards, Louise Walker, Practice Manager
Chris H.
5 years ago
Bad!
Receptionist ruined my entire medical visit
Utterly appalling customer service. The receptionist positioned near the entrance displayed an inexcusable level of rudeness and dismissiveness. I am preparing to file a formal complaint and will be transferring my medical care to another practice immediately. Absolutely livid.
Penn Hill Surgery
5 years agoDear Mr Hoyle, I am sorry that you are so unhappy with the service you received at the surgery, and I would be very happy to discuss this with you further if you would like to contact me. Kind regards, Louise Walker, Practice Manager
Jordie99999 J.
5 years ago
Bad!
Rude receptionists ruined my medical visit
This medical facility is an utter disaster. The front desk staff are without doubt the most obstructive individuals I've ever encountered. Whenever you try to convey the urgency of your medical concern, they become defensive and provoke unnecessary confrontations, which is completely counterproductive. Their appalling attitude and lack of basic interpersonal skills completely undermine the excellent work performed by the doctors, and their behavior is shockingly unprofessional and inappropriate.
Penn Hill Surgery
5 years agoI am sorry to hear that you were so unhappy with the reception team at the surgery. I would be very happy to investigate this further if you would like to contact me at the surgery. Regards, Louise Walker, Practice Manager
Pauline C.
5 years ago
Bad!
Terrible care for my asthmatic child
My child has battled asthma since infancy, and the medical care he's experiencing at this facility is utterly unacceptable. Despite your claims of addressing concerns, you've done absolutely nothing to assist him. You appear to believe you're providing excellent service, but the reality is you should be deeply embarrassed by how you treat patients. Your conduct is shameful, and I fully intend to escalate this matter and hold you accountable for your negligence.
Penn Hill Surgery
5 years agoI am sorry that you are clearly unhappy with the service provided by the surgery and would be very happy to discuss your specific issues directly if you would like to contact me. Regards, Louise Walker, Practice Manager
Miller M.
5 years ago
Bad!
Worst flight ever on tuesday night
Absolutely dreadful!
Penn Hill Surgery
5 years agoI am sorry that you have not been happy with the service at Penn Hill Surgery and I would be happy to investigate your complaint if you would like to contact me. Louise Walker, Practice Manager
Iorath B.
6 years ago
Great!
Friendly doctor during covid really listened
I visited this medical facility for my initial consultation amid the pandemic protocols. The entire team adhered meticulously to the safety regulations and maintained a welcoming demeanor. The physician was exceptionally compassionate and carefully reviewed my medical background after I brought it up. My experience here significantly surpassed my prior medical appointments in terms of quality and care.
Penn Hill Surgery
5 years agoThank you for taking the time to leave such positive comments which I will ensure are shared with the practice team. Louise Walker, Practice Manager