Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reflects a mixed experience with significant challenges in appointment access balanced against positive interactions with clinical and reception staff. The most consistent concern across reviews is the restrictive booking system, which limits same-day appointments and requires calling at specific times, often resulting in lengthy waits and unavailable slots. Patients report difficulty reaching the practice by phone, extended waiting periods both on hold and in reception areas, and frustration with the need to book weeks in advance. Communication issues are also noted, including missed referrals, delayed follow-up, and unclear information about test results and medication management.

Despite these operational challenges, many patients praise the courtesy and genuine care demonstrated by reception and clinical staff. Positive feedback highlights the welcoming environment, compassionate approach, and professional service provided during consultations. Some patients report efficient organisation and straightforward booking through digital platforms, though these experiences appear less common than reports of access difficulties.

The practice appears to function better for patients with flexible schedules and those seeking routine care, but struggles to meet the needs of working individuals requiring urgent or timely appointments. Concerns about clinical assessment thoroughness and responsiveness to patient concerns are raised in some reviews, suggesting inconsistency in care quality across different consultations.

Appointment

35.27 %
Poor

Reception

52.18 %
Average

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

51.64 %
Average

Respect

48.91 %
Poor

Seen on time

42.73 %
Poor

Filter

TY

Tony Y. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Great!

Convenient local surgery with most services available

A standard contemporary medical practice offering the majority of services you would expect to find in your local area.

More Info
RF

Robert F. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Struggled to book urgent appointment same day

This is the second day I have attempted to secure an appointment for my partner who is dealing with an infection and has a compromised immune system due to illness. I feel the practice is not meeting expectations, as I believe the clinical staff have been dishonest to avoid addressing concerns, and pain management has not been adequately provided. All available appointments appear to be scheduled only in the morning, leaving no options for the rest of the day. I intend to escalate my concerns to the appropriate regulatory body above the surgery level, as I am worried about the potential health risks this situation may pose.

More Info
DS

Dawn S. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful receptionists made the visit smooth

A good practice with receptionists who are very helpful and efficient.

More Info
NG

Nicola G. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff who always help out

The staff have consistently been welcoming and supportive throughout my visits, and I have not experienced any problems.

More Info
DD

Diane's D. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Receptionists really went the extra mile

I cannot find any issues with this practice or its team. I have family members with ongoing health conditions and additional support needs. The reception staff are accommodating and make genuine efforts to assist when immediate appointments aren't available. The clinicians are approachable, attentive to concerns, and provide helpful support.

More Info
DA

David A. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Early appointment sorted without fuss

From the moment I booked my appointment through to leaving the surgery, I was handled with courtesy and professionalism. An early morning slot was arranged to suit my schedule, and I made a point of arriving ahead of time in hopes of being seen promptly. My expectations were met. The healthcare professional who attended to me throughout my visit was considerate and compassionate, and I departed with a clear understanding of my care plan and what to expect going forward. Thank you.

More Info
TW

Tanya W. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Staff made us feel genuinely looked after

I have consistently received excellent care from the clinical team and support staff at this practice. I felt genuinely supported throughout my visits, and they went out of their way to assist with scheduling and other arrangements. They also ensured my child felt comfortable and reassured during their appointment.

More Info
JR

Jayne R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff despite tricky appointment slots

The team here is consistently warm and welcoming, and the clinicians are always pleasant. Getting an appointment can occasionally be challenging, though that's fairly common across many services. Overall, it's a wonderful place to receive care.

More Info
LG

Lynda G. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Reception staff were consistently polite and helpful

I have been with this GP practice for over three decades, and there have been numerous changes throughout that time, with both positive and negative aspects. However, I have consistently found the reception team to be courteous and supportive in all my interactions. The past few years have presented challenges, but I am encouraged to see gradual improvements taking place. I have also appreciated the excellent care provided by the clinical staff member who has worked with my family member. Thank you.

More Info
GW

Garry W. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful staff made all the difference

My doctors have supported me through a lot and the staff are wonderful. Several team members who handle phone calls provide excellent service, and other staff members are equally helpful when you contact them by telephone. I would not consider changing my practice and appreciate the great service and support provided to patients.

More Info
NR

Nichola R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick appointments and helpful phone consultations

I really enjoy attending this practice and consistently manage to secure an appointment within a reasonable timeframe, or alternatively receive a telephone consultation.

More Info
NB

Naomi B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Reception staff were friendly and convenient location

The reception team are wonderful and I have nothing but positive things to say about them. I also really appreciate how conveniently located the practice is to my home.

More Info
AD

Anthony D. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Early morning call redirected to chemist instead

Called at 7:55 in the morning to arrange an appointment for a severe ear condition and was directed to visit a pharmacy instead. I experienced significant discomfort while waiting several hours for contact from the pharmacy, so I went there directly. The pharmacy explained they were unable to examine me or provide prescription medication, only suggesting over-the-counter pain relief. When I then attended the surgery, I was informed no appointments were available until the following day, despite calling early specifically to secure same-day care. After spending additional hours at the emergency department, I received prescription medications that could have been provided earlier in the day. The delay in appropriate treatment was frustrating, and the overall coordination between services felt inadequate. I have decided to register with a different practice for myself and my family, as I felt the service fell short of expectations.

More Info
TD

Theresa D. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Average!

Hard to get appointments but worth the effort

My practice has provided me with considerable support throughout the years. The clinical team makes a genuine effort to help patients. That said, accessing appointments remains challenging and is an area that requires improvement, though I do appreciate my surgery overall. It can be frustrating when calling early in the morning to find no slots available, even for potentially serious concerns, only to be asked to ring back later in the day, then subsequently directed elsewhere due to staff commitments or to contact alternative services instead.

More Info
AC

Alwyn C. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Dozens of calls with no callbacks received

I have found the service at this surgery to be deeply disappointing and feel the standard of care falls well short of what should be expected. Over the past two weeks, I have attempted to make numerous contact attempts without receiving the responses or callbacks that were promised. As a long-standing family patient at this practice, I am troubled by how much the quality of service has declined. I find it concerning that the practice does not appear to acknowledge the consistently negative feedback that has been shared. This represents just one aspect of the difficulties my family has experienced, and I would urge the surgery to take the ongoing criticism seriously and make meaningful improvements. Unfortunately, I feel compelled to leave the lowest possible rating to reflect my experience, as I believe an even lower score would be more appropriate.

More Info
TK

Thomas K. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Couldn't get through on the phone line

Disappointing throughout the entire experience

More Info
AG

Ashley G. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Long waits and fewer doctors now

Having been a patient at this practice for two decades, it is disappointing to note that staffing levels appear to have reduced and appointment availability has become increasingly difficult to secure, with lengthy waiting times now required.

More Info
DP

Danielle P. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Appointment booked then cancelled without any notice

I wish there was an option for no stars! Absolutely dreadful practice. There is minimal patient care, I really don't know how this can be classified as a GP practice as there are rarely any doctors available to see, only ever nursing staff if you are fortunate enough!!! Earlier in the year two medical professionals failed to recognise I had a urinary tract infection, insisting I had a viral illness. My temperature was significantly elevated!!! I felt dismissed and as though I was inconveniencing them. To summarise, I ended up requiring a 3 day hospital admission with a serious infection complication that I believe resulted from their oversight!!!! Most recently I called to arrange an appointment and was told a clinical practitioner would contact me back. As promised, I did receive a call and was offered an appointment for the next day. It seemed too good to be true, and upon arriving at the surgery to check in, I was informed I did not have an appointment on their system. When I asked who the appointment was supposed to be with, I was told the staff member had gone home unwell and apparently neglected to confirm my booking, which is why there was no record. No apology was offered and no alternative appointment was suggested! Needless to say I have now switched to a different practice. I really don't understand how this establishment operates!!!

More Info
LS

Lottie S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Reception didn't listen when I brought evidence

This one star rating is for the physiotherapy department. During my appointments, the physiotherapist repeatedly suggested I had a herniated disc, despite two MRI scans indicating otherwise. When I attended with documentation to discuss alternative explanations for my long-standing pain and requested a pelvis scan, the response was dismissive. I felt that presenting my own research and understanding of my condition, which I have been managing for over five years, was not well received. Although a scan was mentioned, it has not been scheduled in the two years since that appointment. While the pandemic affected services, I have successfully attended numerous other appointments during this period. I felt unheard and frustrated by the experience, and this matter has been escalated. On a more positive note, I received excellent care when having a toenail procedure performed at this location. The two staff members involved were professional and thorough. I am uncertain whether they are employed by the surgery or work independently.

More Info
DC

Daniel C. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to reach and unhelpful staff

I'm giving this a 1 star because I cannot give them a zero. This surgery is an absolute joke. They never answer the phone and it's a struggle to get an appointment. The staff come across as unprofessional and rude.

More Info

For practice staff

Respond to patient reviews

Monitor satisfaction trends

Generate CQC evidence reports

Claim & Manage Profile
Trusted by GP practices across the UK
Practice Response Rate
0.00%

Shows how often this practice responds to patient reviews and feedback.

About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01785 251134
  • Rising Brook Surgery The Health Ctr,Merrey Rd Stafford Staffordshire ST17 9LY

Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reflects a mixed experience with significant challenges in appointment access balanced against positive interactions with clinical and reception staff. The most consistent concern across reviews is the restrictive booking system, which limits same-day appointments and requires calling at specific times, often resulting in lengthy waits and unavailable slots. Patients report difficulty reaching the practice by phone, extended waiting periods both on hold and in reception areas, and frustration with the need to book weeks in advance. Communication issues are also noted, including missed referrals, delayed follow-up, and unclear information about test results and medication management.

Despite these operational challenges, many patients praise the courtesy and genuine care demonstrated by reception and clinical staff. Positive feedback highlights the welcoming environment, compassionate approach, and professional service provided during consultations. Some patients report efficient organisation and straightforward booking through digital platforms, though these experiences appear less common than reports of access difficulties.

The practice appears to function better for patients with flexible schedules and those seeking routine care, but struggles to meet the needs of working individuals requiring urgent or timely appointments. Concerns about clinical assessment thoroughness and responsiveness to patient concerns are raised in some reviews, suggesting inconsistency in care quality across different consultations.

Appointment

35.27 %
Poor

Reception

52.18 %
Average

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

51.64 %
Average

Respect

48.91 %
Poor

Seen on time

42.73 %
Poor
Filter

Order By

Rating