Priory Medical Group - North Shields

Phone lines impossible to get through on

I contacted 111 seeking assistance and was informed that I would receive a callback at 10:00 from the out-of-hours service. Unfortunately, this call never came through, and I was forced to make my own way to the hospital. In a separate instance, I received a diagnosis during a telephone consultation that was later contradicted by the hospital assessment. Additionally, I have found it extremely difficult to reach anyone by telephone at the practice.

Long wait on hold, no appointments available

I was contacted to schedule an appointment, so I rang the practice. After a lengthy wait on the phone, I eventually got through to someone. However, I was informed that there were no available slots and was asked to try calling back at a later date. This felt like a frustrating use of my time.

Phone lines need serious improvement here

Attempting to contact this practice by telephone proves extremely frustrating, as callers face lengthy waiting times before the line disconnects. An alternative surgery in the local area offers a noticeably more accessible and responsive service for those seeking to reach medical staff.

Struggling to reach reception and get help

It is difficult to reach the practice by telephone, and when contact is made, the assistance provided is often limited. Additionally, interactions with reception staff during in-person visits can sometimes feel unwelcoming.

Phone lines constantly busy and frustrating

The service at this practice has been disappointing. Getting through by telephone proves difficult, and the reception staff seem to view each appointment booking negatively. Medication requests are frequently delayed and often not available when expected. Be prepared for significant time wastage.

Impossible to reach by phone for prescriptions

Extremely difficult to reach by phone. Repeat prescriptions must be ordered through the online system. When I submitted my recent repeat prescription request online, it was processed within a few days, but I was then unable to proceed further online as I needed to speak with a clinician. I have been unable to get through by telephone to schedule an appointment. Even if a repeat prescription is eventually approved, there is a four working day wait before the pharmacy will dispense it. Currently without medication and without an appointment, which is concerning for a medical service.

Frustrating phone system and limited appointment availability

The practice requires calling in the morning to book an appointment, however the phone lines are often unavailable. When visiting in person to arrange an appointment, staff indicated that no clinicians were available at that time.

Couldn't get through on the phone line

It has been quite difficult to get through to the practice. I have been attempting to contact them for two days in order to arrange a prescription, which operates through an automated system.

Struggling to book an appointment here

Unable to secure an appointment through this practice.

Reception staff made me feel unwelcome

This practice has been disappointing in my experience. I've had two interactions with reception staff who seemed to approach conversations with a defensive attitude from the start. Their demeanor suggested they were anticipating conflict rather than being welcoming. Additionally, the telephone system appears to need improvement. Overall, the practice management could benefit from significant enhancement across multiple areas.

Easy to get appointments when needed

Excellent healthcare professionals. I have no complaints whatsoever, and I'm always able to secure an appointment whenever I require one.

Reception staff were genuinely helpful and pleasant

I attend Hadrian Park surgery and have consistently found the reception team to be exceptionally helpful and friendly.

Phone queues frustrate but staff could listen better

The telephone system could be improved. After waiting on hold for an extended period, the line became unavailable when attempting to reconnect. When contact was eventually established, the interaction felt unwelcoming and dismissive.

Phone lines impossible to get through on

It appears that sharing a single phone line across multiple locations without a proper telephone system in place has created significant accessibility challenges. This arrangement seems to result in many patients being unable to reach the practice and subsequently abandoning their attempts to book appointments.

Rushed through appointment with dismissive attitude

Not the first disappointing experience I have encountered at this practice. I called this morning to request an appointment and was able to secure one without difficulty. Upon arrival, I was seen by a nurse practitioner rather than a GP, which was acceptable. However, I had mentioned multiple health concerns when booking the appointment. The practitioner addressed my first concern adequately, but when I raised a second issue, I was told that only one appointment slot was available and there were other patients waiting. I explained that I had outlined my concerns during the booking call so that notes could be added to my appointment record. The response was that there was only one appointment slot and other patients needed to be seen, asking what the specific issue was. At this point, I decided not to pursue the matter further and left the room. The interaction felt rushed and dismissive, which was particularly difficult given my anxiety difficulties. I left feeling upset, as standing up for myself does not come naturally to me. The entire appointment lasted approximately five minutes.

Staff were genuinely friendly and supportive

The team at this practice consistently demonstrates politeness and friendliness. Both the clinical and support staff maintain a professional and encouraging approach throughout consultations and treatment.

Repeatedly referred to distant surgery without transport options

I rarely leave reviews, but I felt compelled to share my experience this time. I have been a patient at this practice for a considerable period and have generally been satisfied with the quality of care and the professionalism of the team. However, since the birth of my third child, I have been repeatedly directed to an alternative location, which is not conveniently situated for me and is inaccessible without a car. Public transport options are limited and unfamiliar to me, requiring multiple connections that are impractical when managing three young children and a large buggy. My partner has already needed to take significant time away from work for various medical appointments related to my child's health condition, and now faces further absences to accompany us to this distant facility simply for routine immunisations. Today, when I sought an appointment to investigate a potential infection in my child, I was again asked to attend the alternative location at short notice. Unable to manage this, I was offered a telephone consultation instead, which should have been the original arrangement. I am now concerned that my child may have required an in-person assessment that could not take place due to the barriers in accessing my usual surgery. I believe that families with young children, as well as older patients, should have the option to be seen at their registered practice, and that the service should not assume all patients have access to private transport. I appreciate your consideration of this feedback.

Impossible to reach by telephone

It can be quite challenging to reach the practice by telephone.

Impossible to reach and months to get seen

I regret switching to this practice and would not recommend it. The appointment booking system is extremely difficult to access, with very high call volumes during opening hours. Once you manage to get through, appointment availability is severely limited, with routine slots booked up quickly and same-day emergency appointments filling within minutes of the phone lines opening. This suggests the practice may be operating beyond its current capacity. My experience with clinical staff has been disappointing. I found the interactions to be unhelpful and dismissive, with a lack of genuine engagement regarding patient concerns. The overall atmosphere felt unwelcoming and the approach seemed indifferent to patient wellbeing. I am actively seeking alternative healthcare provision and plan to transfer to a different practice as soon as possible.

Practice missed serious heart condition for years

I have been a patient at this practice since 1990. Over the last decade, I have received multiple diagnoses for respiratory issues. Following a hospital admission where I was treated for a serious cardiovascular condition on an emergency basis, my health has improved considerably. However, I feel the clinical care and diagnostic approach at the practice could be significantly improved.