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

Filter

MB

Mj B. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Reception team handled concerns promptly and thoughtfully

My family and I have been registered at this practice for a year and have consistently experienced outstanding care from the entire team from the very beginning. The reception staff have always demonstrated friendliness and compassion, addressing any queries or concerns I have raised in a prompt and considerate manner. The clinical staff are highly competent and professional. They take time to thoroughly evaluate health concerns and perform any required investigations. My family members have recently been seen by a clinician who demonstrated exceptional politeness and courtesy. The on-site pharmacy team have been extremely supportive and helpful. An excellent practice overall!!!

More Info
MD

Maud D. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Receptionist wouldn't let me book urgent appointment

It seems contradictory that staff at the front desk would determine whether a medical concern requires a doctor's appointment, particularly when the issue may not be straightforward to assess without clinical evaluation.

More Info
JW

Joanne W. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Reception and staff made me feel genuinely valued

I cannot understand how anyone could rate this practice so poorly. I have been attending here for approximately over a decade, and the standard of care has consistently been excellent. When I compare my experience to what friends have reported from their own practices elsewhere, I feel genuinely fortunate with the level of attention and support I receive here. The clinicians I have seen have provided outstanding support for my ongoing health needs, as well as for family members in my care. They demonstrate efficiency, attentiveness, and genuine commitment to their patients. The practice as a whole maintains exceptionally high standards of competence and professionalism that I find difficult to match elsewhere.

More Info
PM

Paul M. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Prescription collection delayed despite urgent district nurse request

Extremely frustrating experience attempting to complete a straightforward task of collecting a prescription that was issued by a visiting healthcare professional. Five days have passed with no progress made. The reception team provided assurances that proved empty, simply aiming to end the conversation. A follow-up call at 3.30pm revealed the matter remained unresolved. The visiting healthcare professional had flagged this as time-sensitive, yet the original request had not been processed. The practice appears not to understand what urgent means. This medication is essential for me, and I am concerned about what would happen if this were a more serious situation. The practice eventually contacted me before closing to explain the item is not currently in stock and must be ordered, with availability expected by Monday. I feel disappointed by receiving inconsistent information throughout the week and frustrated by what I perceive as inefficiency within the team.

More Info
MW

Margaret W. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff made the visit pleasant

Excellent practice with a wonderful team throughout, including all staff members across reception, nursing, and clinical roles.

More Info
NA

Neil A. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Reception helpful during busy times

Reception staff were pleasant and helpful. Given the current circumstances, the surgery appears to be managing a high volume of enquiries well. The messaging system and callback approach were clear and effective. Thank you.

More Info
B(

B (. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful and understanding over many years

Excellent experience, kind staff who are professional and compassionate have provided me with substantial support over the past decade.

More Info
MD

Margaret D. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly reception and quick appointment access

The reception team are welcoming and supportive. Appointments are generally available promptly if you're flexible about which clinician you see. This is a well-run practice.

More Info
JL

Jacki L. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Reception staff made me feel welcome

Outstanding medical practice. All of the clinical staff take the time to listen carefully to patients. The front desk team are consistently helpful and maintain a positive, friendly demeanor.

More Info
TA

Teresa A. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Dismissive appointment left us feeling unheard and belittled

The most disappointing experience my spouse and I have encountered. Having recently relocated to the area and this being the most convenient option, we completed the necessary registration documentation. We attended our initial appointment today, which was described as a review, though it felt rushed, dismissive, and deeply disrespectful. Although we were seen slightly behind schedule, the primary concern was the manner in which we were addressed and treated, which we found wholly unacceptable. From the outset, there appeared to be little genuine interest in understanding our needs, with suggestions instead that our current medications would likely require adjustment or potentially be discontinued. We were also told that our respective health conditions should not prevent us from working. Both my spouse and I manage significant ongoing health concerns and require ongoing pharmaceutical support, along with specialist care for additional medical issues. This is presented as an NHS facility, not a private establishment, yet the experience suggested otherwise. We have decided we will not be returning to this practice. The approach taken regarding our medications and overall medical care left us feeling that our wellbeing had been compromised.

More Info
WJ

Wayne J. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Great!

Modern clinic with same-day appointments but long waits

It's easy to secure same-day appointments, and the team members are welcoming and approachable. The facility itself is well-maintained and contemporary. The main drawback is that sessions frequently run behind schedule, which can result in extended waiting times for patients.

More Info
KG

K G. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Easy to book and genuinely friendly staff

The practice offers excellent medical professionals in the locality, with a welcoming and accessible approach that makes booking appointments straightforward.

More Info
MA

Mark A. Google 9 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Easy to book appointments at this surgery

Excellent medical professionals, and I've never experienced difficulty booking an appointment. The reception team and clinical staff are all very welcoming and approachable. I would certainly recommend this practice to anyone within their service area.

More Info

For practice staff

Respond to patient feedback

Track improvement over time

Export evidence for CQC inspections

Claim your profile
GP Response Rate
0%

Practices that reply receive 3× more positive follow-up feedback

About the GP

  • Verified GP
  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

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
Filter

Order By

Rating