Patient Experience Summary

Appointment availability remains the most significant challenge reported across feedback, with patients describing extreme difficulty reaching the practice by phone, lengthy waiting periods for appointments, and frequent redirection to alternative services. Reception experience is mixed, with some patients reporting courteous and helpful interactions while others describe unwelcoming or dismissive approaches. Communication barriers extend beyond appointment access, including poor coordination between departments, delayed responses to patient concerns, and instances where clinical staff appear not to have reviewed patient information before consultations. When patients do access care, clinical quality receives more positive recognition, with several reviews praising professional and thorough consultations. However, concerns about medication management, including restrictions on repeat prescriptions and changes made without formal review, appear alongside reports of dismissive clinical responses to patient concerns. The practice has introduced new appointment systems that some patients find effective and responsive, though others continue to experience system usability problems and find the online booking process complicated. Positive feedback emphasises courteous staff interactions, responsive communication when contact is achieved, and supportive team members, yet these positive experiences are substantially outweighed by widespread frustration with access barriers and the overall booking experience.

Patient safety concerns have been raised in relation to delayed clinical responses and medication management issues, with some patients reporting they have sought care elsewhere due to access difficulties or clinical concerns. A small number of patients report excellent experiences with quick appointment access and attentive clinical care, suggesting service quality may vary depending on individual circumstances or timing of contact. The practice environment and facilities receive occasional positive comment, though some patients note concerns about privacy arrangements and accessibility for those with mobility difficulties.

Appointment

35.27 %
Poor

Reception

42.18 %
Poor

Cleanliness

68.45 %
Great

Care

51.64 %
Average

Respect

46.82 %
Poor

Seen on time

38.91 %
Poor

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RR

Razan R. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Appointment waiting times are frustratingly long

It has been difficult to secure appointments at this practice. The waiting period to see a clinician is typically a month or longer. Similarly, the wait for a telephone consultation can be just as lengthy. On one occasion, I arrived a few minutes past my scheduled time for an appointment with a nurse practitioner, and the appointment was cancelled as a result. However, I found this frustrating because when I had arrived an hour early on a previous visit, I was asked to leave and return at the correct time.

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JH

John H. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Supportive practice with decent service overall

This practice has consistently demonstrated a supportive approach. I would characterise the service provided as satisfactory.

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MH

Mark H. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Staff were friendly and genuinely supportive

The practice is excellent. I recognise there are challenges with booking appointments. This isn't something the team or clinicians are responsible for. I find it difficult to secure appointments as well, but that's simply how things are. The staff are welcoming when you approach them positively. The clinicians are equally approachable and I'm genuinely grateful for the support and care they provide. It's worth considering the pressures they face before forming an opinion.

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PJ

Pamela J. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to book an appointment before nine

This practice is extremely challenging to get an appointment at. I was 12th in the queue before 9am only to be informed that all available slots had been taken and was directed to contact an alternative service. I don't visit the surgery often and typically need to be experiencing significant discomfort before attempting to book an appointment (assuming I can secure one). It appears I'll need to manage this issue on my own once more despite experiencing facial pain with worsening throat and ear symptoms. The difficulty in accessing care feels frustrating given my contributions to the healthcare system.

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CW

Chantelle W. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Avoid this surgery if you value your health

I am relocating to this area shortly and will need to find a new medical practice. However, based on my experience, I would recommend considering other options rather than registering at this surgery if maintaining good health is a priority for you.

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IP

Ian P. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Impossible to book an appointment here

It is extremely difficult to obtain an appointment with a clinician at this practice. When attempting to book, I am repeatedly directed to contact alternative services, which has not proven helpful for my situation.

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MC

Michael C. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Rude receptionists made booking appointments difficult

The reception staff came across as unwelcoming and appeared to lack adequate training. Finding an available appointment with a clinician proved extremely difficult. During a visit, I was advised to manage my condition at home and monitor for worsening symptoms, however when I contacted NHS Direct they recommended immediate hospital attendance due to the seriousness of the situation. Additionally, my long-term medication was discontinued without a formal review being conducted beforehand, despite my having taken it regularly for many years. I have significant concerns about the standard of care provided at this practice and believe it warrants thorough review.

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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01670 811811
  • Seaton Hirst Prim Cre Ctr Norham Road Ashington Northumberland NE63 0NG

Patient Experience Summary

Appointment availability remains the most significant challenge reported across feedback, with patients describing extreme difficulty reaching the practice by phone, lengthy waiting periods for appointments, and frequent redirection to alternative services. Reception experience is mixed, with some patients reporting courteous and helpful interactions while others describe unwelcoming or dismissive approaches. Communication barriers extend beyond appointment access, including poor coordination between departments, delayed responses to patient concerns, and instances where clinical staff appear not to have reviewed patient information before consultations. When patients do access care, clinical quality receives more positive recognition, with several reviews praising professional and thorough consultations. However, concerns about medication management, including restrictions on repeat prescriptions and changes made without formal review, appear alongside reports of dismissive clinical responses to patient concerns. The practice has introduced new appointment systems that some patients find effective and responsive, though others continue to experience system usability problems and find the online booking process complicated. Positive feedback emphasises courteous staff interactions, responsive communication when contact is achieved, and supportive team members, yet these positive experiences are substantially outweighed by widespread frustration with access barriers and the overall booking experience.

Patient safety concerns have been raised in relation to delayed clinical responses and medication management issues, with some patients reporting they have sought care elsewhere due to access difficulties or clinical concerns. A small number of patients report excellent experiences with quick appointment access and attentive clinical care, suggesting service quality may vary depending on individual circumstances or timing of contact. The practice environment and facilities receive occasional positive comment, though some patients note concerns about privacy arrangements and accessibility for those with mobility difficulties.

Appointment

35.27 %
Poor

Reception

42.18 %
Poor

Cleanliness

68.45 %
Great

Care

51.64 %
Average

Respect

46.82 %
Poor

Seen on time

38.91 %
Poor
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