Seaton Park Medical Group

Poor aftercare support and communication

The follow-up care provided fell significantly short of expectations. It would be advisable to consider seeking services elsewhere.

Clean waiting area and helpful staff throughout

I have been a patient at this practice for many years. The team members are consistently helpful and approachable. The waiting room is spacious and well-maintained. The car park is quite large, though parking spaces can be limited at times. One concern is the distance between the car park and the reception area, which could be challenging for those with mobility difficulties. The practice has implemented modern technology for managing appointments.

Refused care based on age alone

I would not recommend this medical group. I found them unhelpful in addressing my concerns. A family member was initially told they would receive a particular procedure, but this was later declined based on clinical factors. I felt disappointed by this change in approach. The situation was further complicated by subsequent events, and while the practice did send a sympathy message, I did not feel this adequately addressed my concerns about the care provided.

Long wait for triage made things worse

I am quite dissatisfied with my experience at this practice. I have been experiencing stomach issues throughout the week and contacted the surgery on Thursday to request an appointment. I was informed that I would need to wait 48 hours for a triage call from the practice to be arranged. Unfortunately, my condition has since deteriorated to the point where I have now had to attend hospital for treatment.

Reception staff helped after my fall

I spoke to a member of the reception team who was lovely, kind and thoughtful. They were very helpful when I needed assistance yesterday after an accident. I really appreciated their support.

Repeating questions wastes time at every visit

The consultation process involves repetitive questioning that overlaps with information already provided. Additionally, there is inconsistency in seeing the same healthcare professional, which means having to repeatedly explain the full medical background to different practitioners. It appears that practitioners do not always review recent medical records or previous appointment notes on the system prior to the consultation, which would help them understand the patient's recent history and current situation. This could reduce the need to ask about the presenting issue, particularly since the appointment questionnaire should have already outlined the reason for the visit.

Phone receptionist wasn't helpful or polite

I found the phone interaction to be unhelpful, and the staff member's demeanor was rather unwelcoming.

Doctor dismissed my stomach pain concerns

Attended an appointment regarding abdominal discomfort and felt dismissed by the clinical staff, who suggested the issue was psychological in nature. I was frustrated by this response as I felt my concerns were not properly validated.

Receptionist helped calm me down completely

I recognise that things have been challenging and represent a significant transition for everyone, but I believe it's important to acknowledge when something goes well. I recently had an interaction with a member of the reception team who was outstanding. I was feeling quite anxious and distressed at the time, and this person handled the situation brilliantly. They helped settle my nerves, resolved the issue I was facing and provided me with a thorough explanation of everything. It's genuinely reassuring to encounter someone so considerate and supportive. Although much of the difficulty stemmed from my own circumstances, I was treated with genuine warmth and kindness throughout.

Nursing staff showed genuine care and consideration

I am genuinely surprised not to see more favourable reviews for this practice. My own experience has been excellent. Having recently relocated to the area, I was concerned about maintaining consistent care following the move. Aside from the appointment booking system, which I recognise may present challenges for some patients, every element of my treatment has been delivered with considerable attention and professionalism. I have undergone various medical assessments and procedures. The clinical nursing team have demonstrated thoughtfulness and meticulousness throughout. Given that I manage several ongoing health conditions, I particularly appreciated the swift and compassionate response from staff when I experienced a medical episode in the waiting area some weeks ago. Multiple team members responded immediately to assist. Following my consultations with the clinical team, I feel assured of their competence and am confident in the standard of care provided by the entire practice. Despite the current pressures within the NHS, I feel secure knowing I am receiving care from a capable team and would gladly recommend this practice to anyone thinking about registering with them.

Appointment booking system needs improvement

The appointment booking system at this clinic is frustrating. Simply wanting to schedule a visit should be straightforward, yet the process involves completing forms and navigating a difficult system to find available slots. The overall experience feels unnecessarily complicated.

Website doesn't let you ask about multiple issues

The online platform is not user-friendly, as it does not allow patients to raise multiple health concerns in a single inquiry.

Reception turned away a simple request without exploring options

I'm quite frustrated by this experience. I visited the surgery before work and enquired whether someone could help remove a splinter. I was informed that this service isn't available at the practice and was directed to the hospital instead. I then asked the same question at the local pharmacy. The staff member I spoke to explained they lack the necessary equipment for splinter removal. Given that the pharmacy advertises treating insect-related injuries, I'm puzzled about how they would manage a sting. This leaves me in an awkward position—either I need to take time off work to attend hospital for what isn't an urgent matter, or I attempt to remove it myself at home, which carries a risk of infection.

Phone staff handle requests with respect

I have been using this practice and consider it to be of a high standard. Whenever I contact the surgery by phone, I am consistently treated courteously and my concerns or requests are dealt with promptly and effectively. While obtaining an in-person appointment can sometimes present a challenge, urgent medical matters are prioritised appropriately without unnecessary waiting times.

Online booking masks long appointment waits

Disappointing experience overall. The online booking system initially seemed quite good—I appreciated the convenience of arranging appointments through the website. However, I've been waiting almost two weeks for a routine appointment. I received a message suggesting I consider visiting a pharmacist instead. Additionally, we encountered difficulties obtaining my son's repeat prescription. The appointment management system appears to have significant limitations and the practice seems to struggle with handling their patient volume effectively. I would recommend exploring alternative providers.

Quick registration and same-day urgent appointment

Submitted my registration paperwork on a Friday and was registered by the following Monday morning with an appointment scheduled that same day given the urgent nature of my situation. This was a notably quicker process compared to my experiences at previous medical practices for similar concerns.

Felt listened to and reassured at appointment

My partner had an appointment with a healthcare professional at the practice. The clinician was absolutely brilliant. They dispelled all doubts about my partner's health concerns and offered helpful recommendations for the future. We need more practitioners like them with such dedication and genuine care for their work. Thank you again.

Phone booking process works smoothly here

When we needed to call for an appointment, we experienced no difficulties, and have consistently received good care regarding our treatment needs. Even with the current booking system in place, everything continues to run smoothly. Thank you very much for the excellent service provided.

Reception delays make appointments impossible to book

Unable to obtain appointments with clinicians at this practice. The reception team has not provided satisfactory assistance. Response times are lengthy, with replies taking several days due to a prioritisation system that places routine enquiries at the bottom of the queue. Follow-up calls are frequently missed. Overall, a frustrating experience with this surgery.

Gates locked despite advertised opening time

The practice website indicates opening hours beginning at 7 a.m. When I arrived shortly after this time, I found the gates secured and was therefore unable to complete the task I had come to do.