Seaside Medical Centre

Receptionist hung up when I complained about appointments

It is extremely difficult to secure an appointment at this practice, particularly when facing urgent health concerns. When raising these issues, I have experienced what felt like dismissive responses from reception staff. I would seriously consider switching to another surgery if the option were more straightforward. Overall, I do not feel adequately supported by this practice. The clinical staff members are competent when contact is finally established, but there appears to be a systemic issue affecting how the surgery operates. While I recognise the considerable demands placed on healthcare professionals, the standard of service provided here falls short of what I would expect from a practice of this size. Having been a patient for many years and having positive regard for the doctors, it is genuinely disappointing to share these concerns.

Reception team always smiling and genuinely helpful

I believe they merit recognition for their exceptional service. They consistently demonstrate helpfulness and maintain a positive demeanor throughout their day, despite regularly engaging with patients who present with concerns. I hope they receive adequate support and someone to listen to them as well.

Walk in appointments made getting seen easier

Attended a walk-in clinic with available same-day appointments. Found this approach to be quite effective. It was reassuring to have a concrete option for accessing GP services. The overall experience was favourable and represents a welcome improvement in how appointments are managed.

Early arrival system works well here

What an excellent concept this is. I arrived at 8 and waited until the clinic opened at 8.30. I was seen by a healthcare professional at 9.30 and everything was resolved! This approach is much improved. My only worry would be that once more patients become aware of this system, the waiting queue might become quite lengthy!

Sit and wait appointment worked really well

I was able to access an immediate sit and wait appointment today, which proved to be an excellent approach that functioned very effectively. I would strongly encourage others to take advantage of this option. The service provided was outstanding and I am very grateful for the experience.

Friendly receptionists who really try to help

Excellent medical practice that I have relied upon for many years. The team members and front desk staff consistently make efforts to ensure patients receive timely appointments. The facilities are well-maintained, clean, and create a welcoming atmosphere. I would not consider switching to another provider.

Sit and wait service got me in quickly

I attended the drop-in clinic service today and found it to be very effective. I was requested to arrive at noon and was called through within fifteen minutes. This approach appears to be a much more convenient way of accessing an appointment compared to waiting to be contacted by the practice. Much appreciated 😊

Same day appointments despite being busy

Even considering how busy medical practices are at the moment, this surgery consistently makes a conscious effort to provide same-day appointments. With being in the later stages of pregnancy, this level of service is genuinely appreciated. Thank you.

Drop in service made booking easier

I really appreciate the new walk-in service that's now available. The clinical staff member I saw was extremely professional and helpful, managing to arrange my medication and coordinate my upcoming hospital visit efficiently. I sincerely hope this service remains in place as it's been excellent.

Struggled for weeks to book an appointment by phone

I have been a patient at this practice for over two decades. The reception team has generally been courteous and efficient, though there have been occasional exceptions. The clinical staff have consistently demonstrated engagement and empathy during consultations. I had not required an appointment for several years, but recently found myself needing one. The process of securing an appointment took approximately a month without success. My initial attempts to book by telephone were unsuccessful, as I was unable to reach anyone. I searched for an email contact option but could not locate one. I therefore decided to visit in person to arrange an appointment. The receptionist was helpful, and I explained my situation, only to discover that my previous clinician was no longer at the practice. On my first visit, I was informed that my assigned clinician was unavailable and that appointments could only be booked within a one-week window. On my second attempt, I learned that this clinician works part-time and had no availability within that timeframe. I then asked whether I could book with another clinician in advance, but was told that appointments with other staff could only be arranged on the day itself. As someone in employment, I have exhausted my options for accessing care. This feedback is not intended as criticism of individual staff members, but rather to highlight that the appointment systems in place appear to prioritise the practice's operational convenience over patient accessibility. I also note that the practice encourages patients to use alternative communication methods when posting reviews, yet this approach may present significant barriers for many patients. There appears to be an imbalance in how easily each party can communicate. Principles of ethical healthcare practice include beneficence and fairness, which seem difficult to uphold when access to services is limited. This approach also appears inconsistent with public health messaging that encourages people to seek medical advice for concerning symptoms. I would welcome a thoughtful response to these observations.

Phone lines constantly busy and frustrating

Unable to reach the practice by phone, receiving repeated messages indicating lines are busy. Struggled to secure an appointment during a previous attempt that lasted several weeks before discontinuing efforts. Finding the appointment booking process frustrating and difficult to navigate.

Consistent care over many years

This practice has delivered outstanding care throughout my lengthy association with them, effectively managing my various health needs. Excellent experience!

Receptionist gatekeeping makes appointments difficult

I must say, if you require medical attention then you require medical attention. My main concern with this practice is regarding the gatekeeping role of reception staff in determining whether patients can access appointments or receive callbacks from their clinician. This decision-making power rests entirely with them, and I feel this approach may not be appropriate.

Impossible to book an appointment here

The healthcare system here is extremely disappointing, with significant difficulties in securing appointment slots.

Struggled to get through on the phone

I called this morning and had to try multiple times before getting through. Unfortunately, all available appointments had already been taken. I requested to speak with a member of the nursing staff, but was told that all call slots were fully booked as well. It feels as though the practice is still operating under pandemic-era restrictions.

Reception kept giving contradictory appointment booking advice

I would rate this practice much lower if possible. I cannot recommend this facility. I attended to arrange an appointment yesterday and was told I would receive a call back, which never came. I returned today to book an appointment and was informed that advance bookings were available, but when I explained my appointment needed to be before a specific date, I was told the practice was fully booked for the entire week and suggested I return the following day. I find this response confusing, as the availability situation is unlikely to change overnight. I believe the practice would benefit from improving its reception and clinical staff, as I felt many lacked adequate training and professionalism. My family member maintains a substantial monthly health insurance premium, yet struggles to secure appointments at this practice, which seems unreasonable.

Phone reception staff were dismissive and rude

I feel my feedback about this service should be heard and taken seriously. I believe there are concerns about how calls are being handled that warrant attention and resolution. If these matters are not addressed, I may feel compelled to share my experience more widely. My interactions with staff members were disappointing and left me feeling rushed and dismissed. I found the manner in which I was spoken to during phone contact to be dismissive and abrupt. I was concerned by what I perceived as a lack of patience and attentiveness. I am troubled by the apparent staffing approach at this practice and worry about the experience other patients may have. The conduct I experienced during my contact with the practice felt unprofessional and disrespectful. I believe this may explain why the practice has difficulty attracting and retaining patients compared to other local services. I would expect a formal apology and meaningful action to address the communication standards within the practice, particularly regarding how patients are treated during phone interactions. Without such steps, I feel I may need to escalate this matter through appropriate channels. I cannot recommend this practice and would advise others to consider alternative options.

Long-term patient appreciates professional and caring approach

I would like to share my experience as a long-standing patient at this medical centre spanning several years. Throughout my time with the NHS, I have consistently held this practice in high regard for the professionalism, integrity, expertise and compassionate care demonstrated by all members of the clinical and support team. I particularly appreciate their dedication during recent challenging periods when services have faced considerable demand. Thank you very much.

Reception staff were polite and helpful on calls

I have been attending this GP surgery for over a year, including throughout my pregnancy. The clinical team and several other staff members have been truly excellent, offering considerable support, attentiveness and compassion. The administrative team at reception have also been delightful. They consistently demonstrate politeness and helpfulness when answering calls and clearly make genuine efforts to assist. I have deducted a star because a couple of members of staff (particularly one clinician) have occasionally displayed rudeness and a dismissive attitude. When seeking medical care, it is important to feel respected rather than belittled. I have also deducted a star due to occasional challenges in securing appointments, as others have noted. In my experience, roughly seven out of ten times I can obtain a same-day telephone consultation, and if an in-person visit is needed, this is typically arranged for the same day. However, the remaining occasions have involved extended waiting times on the phone only to learn that no further slots are available, which whilst understandable, remains frustrating. I recognise this difficulty likely stems from broader systemic factors rather than the surgery or its staff specifically, such as current healthcare pressures and demand. Therefore, I do not hold the surgery itself responsible for this issue. Overall, I am satisfied with this surgery, as my experiences have predominantly been positive. Compared to other practices I have attended previously, this one performs considerably better.

Couldn't get same-day help when worried

I contacted the practice regarding a matter causing me significant concern. The guidance provided was limited to either calling back at a specified early morning time or scheduling a telephone consultation for the following Monday. I appreciate the attempt to help, though I felt the options available were restricted. As a result, I believe my best course of action may be to seek care through emergency services instead.