Patient Experience Summary

Feedback on this practice reveals a deeply polarised patient experience, with significant operational challenges coexisting alongside pockets of genuine clinical excellence. The most consistent concern centres on appointment access, with patients reporting persistent difficulties reaching the practice by phone, lengthy waiting times for consultations, and frustration with booking systems that frequently show no availability. Reception experience emerges as a critical issue, with multiple reports of discourteous staff, poor communication, and dismissive attitudes towards patients seeking care. Continuity of care presents another recurring problem, with patients noting frequent physician changes and administrative inefficiencies affecting follow-up care and prescription management.

In contrast, medical professionals themselves receive substantial praise for their compassionate approach, attentiveness, and clinical competence. Patients consistently highlight positive experiences with doctors and nursing staff who demonstrate genuine care and take time to listen. The digital consultation platform has been noted as efficient by some users, with prompt responses to online submissions. However, the stark disconnect between reception-level service and clinical care quality suggests systemic administrative challenges rather than clinical shortcomings.

Recent improvements in appointment scheduling and communication responsiveness have been noted by some patients, indicating that service enhancements may be underway. Nevertheless, the volume and consistency of feedback regarding access barriers, reception courtesy, and administrative organisation indicates these remain significant areas requiring sustained attention to improve overall patient confidence in the service.

Appointment

31.20 %
Bad

Reception

28.45 %
Bad

Cleanliness

72.50 %
Great

Care

68.30 %
Great

Respect

32.80 %
Bad

Seen on time

35.65 %
Poor

Filter

JC

Jennifer C. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service but great doctors when accessible

Enduring incredibly poor leadership and administration. The critical feedback regarding extensive telephone hold times and scheduling difficulties is entirely accurate. Despite the challenges, the medical professionals themselves are consistently compassionate and supportive - once you manage to connect with them! The prolonged Covid protocols seem unreasonable and excessive, especially when patients are expected to undertake lengthy two-hour journeys to Maidstone for standard medical services.

More Info
RJ

Ricardo J. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical practice in kent avoid at all costs

Without a doubt, this practice ranks as the worst in Kent, and it pains me to admit that there's virtually nothing positive to say. As numerous others have pointed out, the phone wait times are absolutely unacceptable, and the receptionists are incredibly discourteous - we've even experienced being abruptly disconnected mid-call. Both my spouse and I have suffered misdiagnoses, with my hip clearly clicking three years ago, yet being wrongly assessed as a torn thigh muscle. The new facility appears sterile and unwelcoming, resembling a 21st-century embodiment of Scrooge and Marley's heartless establishment. (And this might even be unfair to Marley.) We haven't had an in-person consultation with a doctor in two years, and my strongest advice to anyone considering registering here is to absolutely avoid doing so. We've felt completely abandoned by the NHS for the past two years, and I implore others not to repeat our mistake - seek healthcare elsewhere!

More Info
MC

Marion C. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Nightmare healthcare experience with terrible customer service

Impossible to get through to them! The phone line is constantly engaged, and scheduling an appointment requires dedicating one to two hours of your time just waiting. Then you're subjected to discourteous receptionists who somehow expect you to remain composed after such an exhausting process - it's completely ridiculous! Want respect? Try actually demonstrating genuine care, which should be the fundamental aspect of your role! I've made over 150 calls, and the line remains perpetually busy - who operates a business like this???? And there's no way to book an appointment in person! This is for an 8-month-old infant suffering from a severe cough, which is absolutely unacceptable!

More Info
KS

Kevin S. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Negligent hospital nearly cost my mother her life

Absolutely horrific medical experience! My mother arrived for her scheduled procedure experiencing cardiac discomfort, and the medical staff completely neglected her. She was forced to seek emergency care elsewhere, ultimately requiring an extensive double heart bypass surgery!!!!!!!!

More Info
J(

Jack (. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical practice ever with terrible customer service

I spent hours dialing repeatedly just to connect. Booking a doctor's appointment is impossible - no advance scheduling allowed, and consultations are exclusively telephone-based. You're restricted to same-day appointments only! How am I supposed to predict when I'll fall ill to match their bizarre availability? The front desk staff are shockingly unprofessional and incompetent, with my partner being made to wait for a sample container that was physically within arm's reach. Each phone call leaves me feeling demeaned and disrespected by their reception team. This practice desperately requires comprehensive customer service improvement.

More Info
KB

Katharine B. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate care for my baby's health needs

Since becoming a parent, this practice has consistently impressed me. The front desk staff have invariably been sympathetic and helpful, addressing my worries with genuine care. Each doctor I've consulted has listened attentively and treated my maternal concerns with real empathy and seriousness. When medical follow-up has been required, referrals have been processed promptly and efficiently. For families with small children, I cannot recommend a more supportive and reliable healthcare provider. My sincere appreciation goes out to the entire team at St Andrew's medical centre!

More Info
HF

Helder F. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating phone system drives patient crazy

I've been attempting to contact the medical office since Monday, and incredibly, the phone line remains perpetually engaged.

More Info
LC

Lance C. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Shocking medical negligence led to devastating consequences

Absolutely horrific experience. Spent countless attempts trying to reach medical help while feeling incredibly unwell. Visited Pembury A&E on Saturday, May 12th, experiencing extreme weakness and loss of appetite. They informed me I had 36 hours left and proceeded to amputate my left foot. As of May 18th, St Tommy's remains unresponsive. My wife attempted to investigate the situation, and they callously suggested she send an email! This medical practice deserves to be permanently closed.

More Info
VW

Vicky W. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Caring doctors who truly listen and support

My doctor and practice have consistently provided attentive care for our entire family. While the phone lines can get congested, this is a common issue across all medical practices, and it doesn't detract from the quality of service I receive.

More Info
KW

Katie W. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible customer service at this medical office

The front desk staff at this place have absolutely zero customer service skills!

More Info
EB

Emily B. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Unhelpful reception ruins first medical centre experience

After relocating to this neighborhood and signing up with the local medical centre, my midwife requested that I retrieve my medical records from reception. The front desk personnel were incredibly unhelpful when I explained my purpose, making me feel like a complete nuisance. They struggled to locate my documents and instructed me to wait outside (while 20 weeks pregnant), which I did for 20 long minutes. Upon returning to inquire about being contacted once the notes were found, they miraculously produced my file. Their unprofessional attitude and poor customer service have left me seriously considering changing healthcare providers. They desperately need to hire staff who understand basic customer care and can perform their duties competently!

More Info
IC

Indic C. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Frustrating healthcare that leaves patients in pain

Medical procedures have devolved into a complete farce. Attempting to schedule a surgical consultation is impossible, with phone lines perpetually engaged. The online consultation system fails to offer timely appointments, forcing patients to endure prolonged discomfort or resort to emergency services. Even with a private referral, the waiting period is absurdly extended. This healthcare practice is utterly incompetent and frustrating 👎👎👎

More Info
JP

Just P. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible medical practice with unhelpful staff

(BASING MY REVIEW ON PRE COVID EXPERIENCE) The staff were discourteous, phone calls consistently went unanswered. During my last visit, I was required to undergo a routine blood pressure check. After submitting my results to the receptionist, she gave me a strange, judgmental look that made me uncomfortable. When I inquired about my blood pressure readings, she merely smiled without offering any explanation. I later discovered my results indicated stage 2 hypertension - information the receptionist chose not to share proactively. I wouldn't recommend this medical practice to anyone. Having lived in Southborough for two years, my interactions with their service were consistently disappointing. Like many local clinics, the waiting room seemed filled with patients suffering from trivial ailments like common colds, rather than serious medical concerns. Feel free to investigate the practice yourself, but in my experience, their service was thoroughly unhelpful, and I've subsequently avoided returning to this doctor's surgery.

More Info
MM

Melanie M. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible experience with incompetent medical team

Absolute worst surgical experience I've encountered.

More Info
LM

Lesley M. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Average!

Friendly staff but scheduling is a nightmare

The medical staff are highly competent and pleasant, but scheduling an appointment or obtaining a flu vaccination is extremely challenging and frustrating.

More Info
MR

Minnie R. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Caring doctors overshadowed by terrible front desk service

The medical staff are wonderful and welcoming, but the practice is marred by discourteous front desk personnel and practically insurmountable communication barriers.

More Info
EE

Elzbieta E. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and unhelpful medical receptionist

I encountered an extremely unsatisfactory and disrespectful phone interaction today with the medical practice's staff. The receptionist's demeanor was unacceptably harsh and made me feel entirely unwelcome. I was attempting to secure a prescription for my friend, who struggles with English, and after two months of using medications from this clinic, I was told she couldn't be registered because her passport copy was supposedly unprintable - with no prior communication about the issue. We specifically visited the clinic to allow them to make their own passport copy, yet the next day she remained unregistered. It's clear we would not be seeking their assistance if it weren't absolutely necessary. I sincerely hope the receptionist will improve her professional approach in future interactions and actually provide the support we require. Helping patients is fundamentally their professional responsibility and what they are compensated to do.

More Info
SB

Steve B. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical experience of my entire life

At my stage in life, I've become somewhat desensitized to surprises, yet the staggering ineptitude of this medical facility surpasses all expectations. Approach with extreme caution!!

More Info
SW

Susan W. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional medical care that truly impressed me

As a retired healthcare professional, I can confidently say this is the most exceptional medical facility I've encountered. The entire team demonstrates an unwavering commitment to patient care, approaching every interaction with remarkable professionalism. My primary physician is truly outstanding, combining remarkable expertise with genuinely compassionate treatment.

More Info
GN

Gary N. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate doctor provides exceptional care for seniors

Dr. Bruce has been exceptional in providing care for my mother, who recently relocated nearby. Despite some scheduling challenges, the medical team handles urgent situations with remarkable efficiency. The doctor's compassionate approach and professional demeanor have truly impressed me. My mother feels well-supported, and the overall quality of service is impressive.

More Info

For practice staff

Respond to patient reviews

Monitor satisfaction trends

Generate CQC evidence reports

Claim & Manage Profile
Trusted by GP practices across the UK
Practice Response Rate
0.00%

Shows how often this practice responds to patient reviews and feedback.

About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01892 515455
  • 133 London Road Southborough Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 0NA

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback on this practice reveals a deeply polarised patient experience, with significant operational challenges coexisting alongside pockets of genuine clinical excellence. The most consistent concern centres on appointment access, with patients reporting persistent difficulties reaching the practice by phone, lengthy waiting times for consultations, and frustration with booking systems that frequently show no availability. Reception experience emerges as a critical issue, with multiple reports of discourteous staff, poor communication, and dismissive attitudes towards patients seeking care. Continuity of care presents another recurring problem, with patients noting frequent physician changes and administrative inefficiencies affecting follow-up care and prescription management.

In contrast, medical professionals themselves receive substantial praise for their compassionate approach, attentiveness, and clinical competence. Patients consistently highlight positive experiences with doctors and nursing staff who demonstrate genuine care and take time to listen. The digital consultation platform has been noted as efficient by some users, with prompt responses to online submissions. However, the stark disconnect between reception-level service and clinical care quality suggests systemic administrative challenges rather than clinical shortcomings.

Recent improvements in appointment scheduling and communication responsiveness have been noted by some patients, indicating that service enhancements may be underway. Nevertheless, the volume and consistency of feedback regarding access barriers, reception courtesy, and administrative organisation indicates these remain significant areas requiring sustained attention to improve overall patient confidence in the service.

Appointment

31.20 %
Bad

Reception

28.45 %
Bad

Cleanliness

72.50 %
Great

Care

68.30 %
Great

Respect

32.80 %
Bad

Seen on time

35.65 %
Poor
Filter

Order By

Rating