Patient Experience Summary

The practice demonstrates strong clinical competence and a welcoming reception experience, with many patients reporting straightforward booking and access to same-day appointments. Clinical staff are frequently described as attentive, compassionate, and taking time to listen to patient concerns. The reception team consistently receive praise for courtesy and helpfulness. However, significant operational challenges emerge across multiple reviews, particularly around prescription processing delays, inconsistent communication, and variable waiting times that can extend considerably beyond scheduled appointments. Several patients report frustration with repeated requests for prescriptions, lack of accountability when administrative errors occur, and difficulty obtaining timely callbacks. One patient described a consultation as rushed and dismissive, raising concerns about respect and care quality during initial appointments.

Appointment availability is generally accessible when patients have flexibility about which clinician they see, though some experience difficulties securing appointments with specific practitioners. Waiting time variability presents a notable concern, with reports ranging from minimal waits to over an hour delays. Administrative processes appear inconsistent, with patients receiving conflicting information about prescription readiness and appointment scheduling. While the practice environment is described as well-maintained and contemporary, and many long-term patients express strong confidence in the service, newer patients and those requiring prescription support have encountered frustration with organisational efficiency and responsiveness to urgent requests.

Appointment

72.15 %
Great

Reception

77.30 %
Great

Cleanliness

82.00 %
Great

Care

75.20 %
Great

Respect

71.85 %
Great

Seen on time

68.50 %
Great

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SG

Steve G. 7 days ago

Rating

Excellent!

  • Appointment

    Excellent
  • Reception

    Excellent
  • Cleanliness

    Excellent
  • Care

    Excellent
  • Respect

    Excellent
  • Seen On Time

    Excellent

Best Doctors I've ever had

This Doctor's surgery is the best I've experienced in my 55+ years. I honestly cannot say enough good things about my local doctors’ surgery. One of the best things is how little time you have to wait to get an appointment, which makes such a huge difference. Everyone there is so friendly, warm, and caring, whether you are speaking to reception, the doctors, or the nurses. They are an excellent practice in every way, and you really feel looked after from start to finish. Moving away from the area means there is a lot I will miss, but this surgery will honestly be one of the biggest things. I feel very lucky to have been a patient here, and I would recommend them to anyone without hesitation.

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PM

Pauline M. Google 2 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Staff made me feel genuinely listened to

Excellent team members

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JD

Joanne D. Google 5 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Promised script delayed then blamed for the wait

Requested an urgent prescription early in the morning and was informed it would be completed but advised to return after 2pm. Upon returning at that time, I was told by a different staff member that it had not yet been processed and would be requested then. As I was travelling and had no medication with me, I was unable to wait any longer having already spent the entire day waiting. I felt the response lacked understanding of my situation and I received no acknowledgement of the delay. Subsequently, I received correspondence that I felt misrepresented the situation and placed blame on me for the difficulties that arose. I believe the issues would not have occurred had the administrative processes been handled correctly. On multiple visits to this practice, I have experienced similar problems. On one occasion, my child's appointment ran significantly over the scheduled time without any apology offered. On another visit, a prescription was not ready as previously assured, yet I was made to feel I was at fault. Overall, I have found there to be a consistent lack of accountability for these recurring issues.

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MT

Morgan T. Google 5 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick appointments and helpful staff

Have consistently found the service to be prompt and supportive.

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AF

Adrian F. Google 6 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Easy registration and promising early signs

Recently joined this practice after switching from a previous one that wasn't meeting my needs. The registration went smoothly and the initial impressions have been very positive.

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YP

Yuliya P. Google 6 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff who actually listen to patients

Excellent experience with a welcoming team who demonstrated genuine care and attention to patient needs.

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AB

Alison B. Google 8 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Easy to book appointments and always listened to

I have had excellent experiences with this practice. The clinical staff are attentive and take time to hear what patients have to say. Booking appointments is straightforward and convenient.

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CF

C F. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Felt genuinely listened to and supported throughout

This practice has provided the finest care I have encountered throughout my time with the NHS. I am deeply appreciative of the exceptionally proactive and supportive approach demonstrated by the team, even when I have made errors on my part. It is refreshing to feel genuinely supported rather than like a burden, and to receive timely medical attention. I am very grateful for the service received.

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RR

Robrob R. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Receptionists answered the phone promptly and helpfully

I have not been attending this practice for an extended period, however, the promptness with which tests and referrals have been processed has been notably impressive and reassuring. The standard of attentiveness and empathy demonstrated by all clinical staff members I have encountered thus far represents the finest care I have received from any NHS service. The reception team are consistently welcoming and approachable, respond to calls without delay, and consistently have appointment slots available. This practice exemplifies the standard to which all NHS practices should aspire.

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DD

Dnufc D. Google one year ago

Rating

Average!

Friendly staff but unpredictable waiting times

The reception team, clinical staff, and pharmacy team all provide excellent service and are difficult to fault. The main drawback is the variability in waiting times, which can range from around 10 minutes to over an hour. While it's understandable that the NHS is under considerable pressure, it would be helpful if appointment scheduling better reflected the actual time patients might need to wait before being seen.

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AG

Alex G. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Waited days for a promised callback

Couldn't rate it lower but if I could I would!!! waited several days for a call back rang them up asking when I would receive the call back to be told it would come that day waited all day still no call back absolutely ridiculous

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CM

Clare M. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly practice where you're remembered and appointments are easy

Unfortunately I had to relocate away from the area in late 2023 due to a house move. I had been registered with this practice since arriving in the area in 2012. There was only one negative encounter with a clinician who displayed an unhelpful manner, and they subsequently departed the practice. The clinicians, reception team, nursing staff and others have consistently been pleasant and supportive. My former partner and I developed good relationships with various team members, and it has been gratifying to be recognised by them. The care I received was always comprehensive, delivered with compassion and consideration. Throughout my time as a patient, I experienced no difficulties obtaining appointments and same-day availability was typically achievable. Many of the current staff members were present when I first joined the practice. The practice fully merits its excellent CQC rating. My current surgery, which holds a high rating within my area, provides good care but lacks the same personal touch. I do find myself missing the sense of individual attention that the previous practice offered, which my new surgery has yet to provide. Thank you for the excellent service provided.

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LR

Louisa R. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Efficient practice that really listens to patients

Excellent team and clinicians who demonstrate both efficiency and compassion. I was genuinely impressed by the standard of care provided at this practice.

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OT

O_kiickstart_o T. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Online closing time didn't match reality

I was satisfied with my appointments, however I encountered an issue with the advertised opening hours. The practice website indicates they remain open until 7:30pm on Thursdays, but when I arrived at 6:20pm after finishing work, I found the doors already closed.

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PT

Paul T. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Difficult to book appointments and order medication

Likely a very good practice, provided you don't actually require appointments with clinical staff. The process for requesting medications is remarkably inconvenient. It probably works well for those with flexible schedules, as the few times I've been able to secure an appointment, the staff have been excellent.

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MG

Muriel G. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Prescription collection process needs improvement

I'm frustrated with having to request prescriptions repeatedly each month and making multiple trips to collect them when they're not ready. It's tiresome having to contact the practice frequently to follow up on where they are.

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WC

Wendy C. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Polite receptionist helped me get same day appointment

Called at 8 o'clock and the receptionist was extremely courteous, managing to arrange an appointment for that same day. The clinician was attentive and demonstrated considerable empathy throughout the consultation.

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KW

Katie W. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Easy to get same-day appointments here

The finest medical professionals I've encountered! Appointments are consistently available on the same day or I can speak with a doctor promptly. The majority of the clinical staff are genuinely pleasant and supportive! The front desk team are always accommodating and follow up on matters.

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MM

Mary M. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Felt genuinely supported through difficult months

I'm very grateful for the dedication, patience and support shown to me over the past few months during a challenging period with various health concerns. It's reassuring to have experienced healthcare professionals and the friendly administrative team providing care. I appreciate everything that's been done to help me through this time, and I'm hopeful things will improve from here.

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JS

Jean S. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly reception staff made booking straightforward

Excellent practice. Among the finest available. The clinical and administrative staff are outstanding.

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About the GP

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Contact Information

  • 0191 5171055
  • Silverdale Family Pract Sth Hetton Hc, Front St South Hetton County Durham DH6 2TH

Patient Experience Summary

The practice demonstrates strong clinical competence and a welcoming reception experience, with many patients reporting straightforward booking and access to same-day appointments. Clinical staff are frequently described as attentive, compassionate, and taking time to listen to patient concerns. The reception team consistently receive praise for courtesy and helpfulness. However, significant operational challenges emerge across multiple reviews, particularly around prescription processing delays, inconsistent communication, and variable waiting times that can extend considerably beyond scheduled appointments. Several patients report frustration with repeated requests for prescriptions, lack of accountability when administrative errors occur, and difficulty obtaining timely callbacks. One patient described a consultation as rushed and dismissive, raising concerns about respect and care quality during initial appointments.

Appointment availability is generally accessible when patients have flexibility about which clinician they see, though some experience difficulties securing appointments with specific practitioners. Waiting time variability presents a notable concern, with reports ranging from minimal waits to over an hour delays. Administrative processes appear inconsistent, with patients receiving conflicting information about prescription readiness and appointment scheduling. While the practice environment is described as well-maintained and contemporary, and many long-term patients express strong confidence in the service, newer patients and those requiring prescription support have encountered frustration with organisational efficiency and responsiveness to urgent requests.

Appointment

72.15 %
Great

Reception

77.30 %
Great

Cleanliness

82.00 %
Great

Care

75.20 %
Great

Respect

71.85 %
Great

Seen on time

68.50 %
Great
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