Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reflects a mixed experience across the practice. Many patients report positive interactions with clinical staff, noting their expertise and responsiveness, alongside welcoming reception experiences and convenient access to on-site pharmacy services. Appointment availability is highlighted as straightforward, with advance booking options available. However, several patients describe concerning changes, citing difficulties reaching the practice by phone, communication issues where concerns were not properly heard, and reception courtesy concerns. Some patients report that the triage system appears inadequate for certain situations, and there are accounts of unclear guidance when additional support was needed.

A notable pattern emerges of service decline, with patients who have used the practice over extended periods observing a deterioration from previously higher standards. While clinical expertise and courtesy remain strengths for many, access difficulties and responsiveness concerns represent areas where the practice is receiving critical feedback. The practice maintained service continuity during challenging periods, offering telephone consultations as an option, which was valued by some patients.

Appointment

76.43 %
Great

Reception

70.00 %
Great

Cleanliness

75.00 %
Great

Care

75.71 %
Great

Respect

68.57 %
Great

Seen on time

65.00 %
Great

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MW

Maria W. Google 9 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Phone lines constantly busy and hard to reach

The practice has experienced a significant decline from its previously excellent standard. Access has become increasingly difficult, with extended wait times to reach the surgery by phone. The triage system appears inadequate for certain situations. It is disappointing given that the service was of high quality not long ago.

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AK

Amanda K. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Online registration made getting started easy

New to the practice in March. The registration process was straightforward and online access details were promptly provided. Initial contact with the practice was positive, and today's experience was exceptional in addressing multiple requests. The staff member who assisted was excellent, demonstrating politeness, professionalism, and genuine understanding of my needs. Overall, a great experience.

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JW

Julie W. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Staff didn't listen to my concerns

I have experienced significant difficulties with staff members not properly hearing my concerns. My husband mentioned a sensitive personal matter today, and the response from one staff member felt dismissive and inappropriate. This practice was previously of a good standard, but the quality of care and communication appears to have declined considerably.

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DA

Daz A. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful staff who really listened to me

Outstanding healthcare facility with a supportive and compassionate team.

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LM

Lisa M. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Reception staff unhelpful with urgent child query

This practice was not particularly helpful in my experience. While the website indicates support is available for those travelling away from home, I found the assistance lacking when I needed care for my young child who was unwell. I was directed to an alternative facility in the local area by a staff member, though their guidance seemed unclear and appeared to suggest attending an emergency department instead.

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LH

Laine H. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Accessible care through phone and video appointments

Excellent service provided by the clinical and administrative staff. The practice remained readily available throughout the pandemic period. Telephone consultations were offered as an option.

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JT

Jamie T. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful receptionists and convenient onsite pharmacy

This practice has been my family's healthcare provider throughout my life. The clinical staff have consistently delivered excellent care. The reception team are always accommodating, and having a pharmacy located within the practice is tremendously convenient. My only small concern relates to the prescription payment method, which currently accepts cash only. The option to pay by card or contactless would be greatly welcomed, particularly given recent circumstances. Booking appointments is straightforward, with the ability to schedule in advance, which compares favourably to other practices where same-day booking is the only option. I would like to commend all staff members for their dedication and hard work.

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BB

Ben B. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Rude reception and poor patient care

This practice provided disappointing care and I found the reception staff to be unhelpful and discourteous.

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PB

Peter B. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly reception and efficient on-site dispensary

A positive example of how a general practice should operate. The reception team were welcoming, the clinical staff demonstrated good knowledge, and having a pharmacy available at the practice was convenient.

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CD

Corey D. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick appointments with helpful staff

Consistently prompt and willing to assist. The team demonstrates considerable expertise, and I have been satisfied with every interaction.

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WG

William G. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick appointments when you need them

An outstanding practice with exceptional clinical staff who consistently provide prompt appointment availability based on the urgency of my needs. Undoubtedly the finest healthcare experience I have encountered.

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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01388 718230
  • Pinfold Medical Practice Pinfold Lane,Butterknowle Bishop Auckland County Durham DL13 5NX

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reflects a mixed experience across the practice. Many patients report positive interactions with clinical staff, noting their expertise and responsiveness, alongside welcoming reception experiences and convenient access to on-site pharmacy services. Appointment availability is highlighted as straightforward, with advance booking options available. However, several patients describe concerning changes, citing difficulties reaching the practice by phone, communication issues where concerns were not properly heard, and reception courtesy concerns. Some patients report that the triage system appears inadequate for certain situations, and there are accounts of unclear guidance when additional support was needed.

A notable pattern emerges of service decline, with patients who have used the practice over extended periods observing a deterioration from previously higher standards. While clinical expertise and courtesy remain strengths for many, access difficulties and responsiveness concerns represent areas where the practice is receiving critical feedback. The practice maintained service continuity during challenging periods, offering telephone consultations as an option, which was valued by some patients.

Appointment

76.43 %
Great

Reception

70.00 %
Great

Cleanliness

75.00 %
Great

Care

75.71 %
Great

Respect

68.57 %
Great

Seen on time

65.00 %
Great
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