Seaton Park Medical Group

Helpful reception staff resolved my problem quickly

Following some difficulties with the clinic, I contacted the surgery in the early afternoon. I was assisted by a pleasant staff member who demonstrated excellent communication skills and a genuinely helpful attitude. It was particularly refreshing to interact with someone so positive and supportive. Later that same day, a clinician called me back and successfully resolved my concern. I'm grateful to both individuals for their assistance.

Friendly receptionist who really listened to concerns

The staff member was friendly, respectful and responsive to my questions and concerns- first class and helpful

Practice finally understood what was wrong with me

I would like to respond to a previous review from three months ago. I experienced dizziness and balance problems that came on suddenly. At 70 years old, I attended hospital where I felt the initial assessment was incomplete. I subsequently requested a referral to see a specialist in elderly care and balance disorders. This specialist performed a specific repositioning technique that is commonly used for inner ear-related balance issues. I had two sessions of this treatment. I would encourage others experiencing similar symptoms to ask their GP about whether they are familiar with this approach, and I hope that anyone else dealing with this condition finds relief as I have.

Receptionists block access to appointments

This practice has been frustrating to deal with. Getting through to speak with someone at reception has proven difficult, and there are limited alternative options in the area. Attempting to reach the surgery by phone can take multiple days of trying, and when contact is finally made, the experience has sometimes felt unwelcoming. The requirement to explain medical concerns in detail to reception staff before being able to access an appointment has felt intrusive, particularly when the issues are sensitive in nature. Being asked to call back another day rather than being offered an appointment has added to the overall sense of disappointment with the service.

Practice ignored formal complaint for weeks

This practice falls well short of expectations and represents the poorest experience I have had with a GP surgery. A formal complaint was submitted several weeks ago, yet there has been no acknowledgement or response to date.

Impossible to book appointments through system

Absolutely disappointing experience. It is extremely difficult to obtain an appointment. The reception team seem to have excessive control over access to care, determining who receives treatment and who does not. The appointment booking system appears to be problematic. Staff frequently cite being overwhelmed with demand, yet when appointments are eventually secured, the waiting areas appear largely empty. The contrast between stated capacity issues and actual clinic occupancy is frustrating.

Phone appointments impossible to get through

Extremely poor service. Obtaining a phone appointment proves very difficult, with two failed attempts within a month resulting in no callback. The appointment system appears to actively discourage patient access. It seems that documenting an ongoing health concern results in the request being overlooked and ignored. Staff apparently insist on logging each contact as a separate issue rather than as a continuation of the same matter, even when this misrepresents the situation. This is thoroughly disappointing. Are there alternative medical practices available in the local area?

Appointment delays and poor callback timing

I found it very difficult to access timely appointments at this practice. The waiting periods for responses were longer than I would have hoped, taking several days to hear back. I had arranged a callback appointment for a specific time through an alternative service, but the call came later than scheduled, and unfortunately I was unable to take it due to being at work. When I followed up the next day, I was informed that a message would be left for someone to contact me, though this did not resolve my concerns about the delays I had experienced.

Straightforward practice with basic service

It's a medical practice, nothing particularly noteworthy to add.

Dismissed concerns, left without prescribed medication

I experience a balance condition that significantly limits my ability to enjoy activities and socialise like I would like to. When I discussed this with my GP, I was advised that the issue was psychological in nature and was suggested to seek counselling support. Subsequently, I visited a pharmacy to obtain medication over the counter, only to be informed that the medication requires a prescription from my doctor. I found this frustrating, and I remain without the medication I need.

Frustrating phone service and poor communication

The service quality has been disappointing, and there have been issues with call disconnections.

App booking system doesn't work properly

I have found the clinical care to be below the standard I would expect. There have been several instances where medication management has not gone smoothly, and I have had concerns about the handling of my son's medical needs. The practice seems overly focused on promoting their digital app, which I have experienced technical difficulties with. The staff appear distracted and disengaged during appointments. The overall experience has been stressful and has negatively impacted my wellbeing. I am considering seeking care elsewhere, as I do not feel my health concerns are being prioritised appropriately.

Long wait on the phone queue

I've been waiting for over an hour without receiving any response to my call, which is quite frustrating. There's no indication of where I am in the queue, just continuous beeping sounds.

Receptionist could've been more helpful

The receptionist's manner was unwelcoming and they were unable to provide the assistance needed.

Online booking system kept me waiting

I received a letter instructing me to schedule an appointment through the online system. However, when I attempted to access it, I was informed that the service was temporarily unavailable and would be restored on Monday. Unfortunately, this was a Friday, making it difficult for me to complete the booking at that time.

Long wait times despite quick initial response

I had a very poor experience with the service. I completed a form and received a callback shortly after, followed by another form submission a couple of days later. However, after waiting an extended period, I was informed that the standard timeframe for a response would be longer than expected, meaning I would need to wait until the following day. The overall service fell well short of my expectations.

Dismissed concerns despite worsening symptoms and long waits

I have been trying to get a referral to see a specialist due to experiencing severe pain, but the practice keeps requesting the same scan repeatedly despite me explaining that my symptoms are located elsewhere and are progressively worsening, including breathing difficulties. I feel the appointments are too brief and that my concerns are not being taken seriously. As a younger parent, this situation is very stressful and difficult to manage. The telephone waiting times are extremely long, and I feel I am not being treated with the respect I deserve. I would not recommend this practice to others and am considering registering with a different GP surgery.

Long phone queue made appointment impossible

I called this morning and found myself eighth in the queue. After waiting for an hour, I was still on hold. The initial message suggests appointments won't take long to arrange, so I was disappointed by the extended wait time. It appeared that only one person was handling incoming calls. I eventually disconnected. Very disappointing experience.

Staff were friendly and helpful throughout

The team here has always been pleasant and I've had no issues with my visits.

New booking system cuts phone queues

The updated appointment system functions effectively. There is no need to wait on hold, as patients are prioritised based on clinical need rather than call order. The service is prompt, supportive, and maintains a professional standard.