Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a mixed experience with significant contrasts between clinical and administrative services. Medical professionals are consistently praised for their attentiveness, compassion, and clinical expertise, with patients reporting thorough consultations and effective care. However, reception and administrative functions present substantial challenges that undermine overall satisfaction. Patients frequently report difficulties with appointment access, including long waiting lists, inflexible booking systems, and poor phone communication with frequent disconnections. Reception staff courtesy varies considerably, with some patients experiencing dismissive or discourteous interactions, whilst others report welcoming service.

Key concerns centre on appointment availability and the booking experience, with patients describing multi-week waits and barriers to accessing timely care. Communication breakdowns extend to prescription management and follow-up arrangements. Several patients highlight inadequate accessibility for vulnerable groups, including elderly patients and those with disabilities, who struggle with digital-only booking systems and inflexible processes. Administrative errors, including mismanaged medical records and confused patient information, have been documented across multiple reviews.

Whilst the practice demonstrates clinical excellence and compassionate care from medical staff, systemic issues with responsiveness, organisation, and accessibility require urgent attention to ensure equitable service delivery across all patient groups.

Appointment

35.67 %
Poor

Reception

38.91 %
Poor

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

72.45 %
Great

Respect

42.18 %
Poor

Seen on time

41.23 %
Poor

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FE

Fraser E. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate care for veterans at this medical centre

I recently relocated to this region and registered with the local medical practice. As a former military service member, I'm impressed by how exceptionally supportive they've been. Dr. Holmes, who will be my primary physician moving forward, is a compassionate professional who immediately put me at ease during our consultation. I wholeheartedly endorse this medical facility, especially for fellow veterans seeking quality healthcare and understanding support.

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RL

Rachel L. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Great!

Fast and efficient healthcare service

Scheduling was incredibly efficient, and I was called back almost immediately, with minimal waiting beyond my designated time slot.

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CT

Catherine T. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate care during my unpleasant illness

I'm battling a particularly unpleasant illness - though I recognize this is relatively insignificant in the broader context. I contacted my medical practice about potential anti-nausea medication, and the staff were consistently polite, albeit cautious about prescribing too early in the illness's progression. Once I reached the critical point of being unable to retain fluids, I was promptly provided with a home consultation and the necessary tablets. I'm now on the mend and deeply appreciative of the compassionate and professional care I received, especially considering the immense challenges healthcare professionals currently face, and being aware from personal family experience of the truly serious medical conditions they routinely manage.

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JR

Jacky R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Unacceptable medical care left me without medication

I'm considering escalating this matter beyond a simple review and pursuing official channels for a complaint. The practice of leaving a patient without their necessary medication seems fundamentally inappropriate and unacceptable.

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SP

Sharon P. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate care for my daughter's complex needs

Since registering my daughter, who has complex medical challenges, at this medical practice, everything has become significantly more manageable. The front desk staff have been phenomenal, and during the initial period, I was frequently reaching out to them. They consistently made me feel that my daughter's health concerns were genuinely valued and addressed with care. I'm truly grateful that I switched to a medical practice that demonstrably shows compassion. On behalf of my daughter and myself as her parent, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for your exceptional support and understanding.

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CL

Charlie L. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst healthcare experience ever disappointing service

Absolutely dreadful service - impossible to schedule a visit for my mother, and the staff's attitude is equally appalling. The reception is shockingly unprofessional and unhelpful.

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LH

Lisa H. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Great!

Successful surgery gives hope for better health

Significant improvement noted. Delighted with the surgical outcome.

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LL

Lady L. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional medical service with compassionate professionals

The Reception team and Physicians demonstrated exceptional attentiveness and support throughout my experience.

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DW

Danii W. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible healthcare service leaving patients in distress

After spending 8 hours in the hospital and being discharged, I was instructed to schedule a follow-up with my general practitioner. Disappointingly, the earliest available appointment was nearly two weeks away. I've just phoned requesting an urgent consultation due to severe breathing difficulties. The receptionist informed me they're completely booked today and do not provide urgent appointments, despite a previous staff member advising me to call if my condition deteriorated, which it clearly has. I'm desperate to avoid another exhausting 8-hour hospital visit. It's deeply unsettling when healthcare professionals meant to support patients with medical concerns appear indifferent and unresponsive. I'm seriously considering changing medical practices, as I've lost all confidence in their ability to provide timely and compassionate care when I'm unwell.

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FE

Fiona E. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and unhelpful communication nightmare

The personnel here lack professionalism and proper communication skills, constantly giving conflicting information. Initially, I was assured of an appointment within days, but upon follow-up, they suddenly pushed the timeline to over a month. Their dismissive attitude towards my concerns is troubling, and while my situation isn't critically urgent, I'm deeply worried about individuals who might genuinely need timely assistance and are treated with such indifference.

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SR

Susan R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Amazing medical care with friendly staff

The staff consistently provides excellent support, and the physicians are top-notch.

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RM

Rosie M. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Average!

Rude receptionist ruins patient's medical experience

I went to my medical appointment this morning... I informed the receptionist about my appointment time, and when she inquired who I was seeing, I mentioned I was unsure. She asked if it was a Doctor or Nurse, and I again said I didn't know. Her response was to roll her eyes and tut dismissively. Incredibly discourteous... I was reluctant to disclose my specific procedure at the front desk, but it could have been performed by either a doctor or nurse. When the practice called to schedule the procedure, they didn't specify who I'd be seeing. I cannot comprehend the necessity of such unprofessional conduct. As a healthcare worker myself, I understand that patient interactions can be challenging, and any public-facing role can be tough - however, a simple smile and basic kindness makes a tremendous difference. (I noticed another receptionist was exceptionally friendly while booking other patients.) A year later, I want to update my previous comments and emphasize that the medical staff here are truly exceptional. The doctors are excellent, and the nurses are compassionate and caring. This practice is not problematic! This morning, I encountered another challenging interaction with a receptionist, but the Advance Nurse Practitioner who assisted me was absolutely wonderful - understanding, patient, and kind. She validated my concerns and immediately offered the necessary blood test referral. Receptionists must recognize that patients are individuals, who understand their own bodies and know when an issue is urgent or private. They should not be intimidating or dismissive. Yesterday, I was instructed to call this morning for a same-day appointment, but today was told such appointments are only for life-threatening situations - which, as the automated system states, would require emergency services. If urgent issues are neglected, they can escalate to critical status. In a genuine life-or-death scenario, no one could realistically wait through a medical practice's phone queue!

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JR

Jack R. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical experience ever terrible service

If I could give this medical practice a zero rating, I absolutely would. The front desk staff are incredibly discourteous! The physicians appear completely indifferent. I scheduled a 9am appointment, and by 9:20 I'm still sitting in the waiting room because supposedly the doctor is occupied. I am truly at my wit's end with this utterly deplorable healthcare facility. I will be switching providers without hesitation. And my advice to the staff is crystal clear: if you're unhappy in your role, do everyone a favor and find alternative employment!!!!

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BL

Ben L. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Clinic transformed from mediocre to magnificent

I'm genuinely taken aback by my desire to award a perfect rating this time. Over the past couple of months, I've noticed a significant transformation at this medical facility. While I can't pinpoint exactly what's changed, the front desk staff have become notably more accommodating, and the overall atmosphere feels distinctly more welcoming. Prior to this review, I would have reluctantly given no more than two stars. To the clinic management: if these positive changes are a result of your ongoing efforts, then continue on this path. Your improvements are clearly making a difference.

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JE

J E. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Great!

Friendly staff but phone lines need improvement

Dr Broadhead is delightful, and the front desk staff are genuinely committed. However, I believe they could benefit from hiring additional telephone operators, as their lines consistently seem overwhelmed. Their mobile website is currently hindered by an intrusive COVID pop-up that monopolizes the entire screen and cannot be dismissed, which is frustrating. Given that society is progressing past the pandemic, it's high time they update their digital interface.

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SR

Sumaiyah R. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Unprofessional staff ruined my entire healthcare visit

The reception team demonstrated an appalling lack of professionalism, displaying an attitude that was both dismissive and disrespectful. Their interpersonal skills are clearly inadequate and require immediate improvement. It's evident from other customer feedback that this problematic behavior is a persistent concern that demands urgent attention from management.

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PL

Paul L. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Horrible customer service at medical reception desk

The reception personnel were hostile and confrontational. When I mentioned my condition was sensitive and personal, the staff member responded, "If you won't disclose details, the soonest appointment is in a month" and then suggested I go to the hospital if I was dissatisfied. Fortunately, her colleague was more helpful and secured me an appointment within two weeks without complications. The front desk staff at both medical centers demonstrate a consistently poor attitude. Their customer service is nonexistent, and as evident from other reviews, my negative experience is not an isolated incident. The staff's behavior is utterly unacceptable and unprofessional.

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DH

Demi H. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating prescription service with poor communication

Communication with this medical practice is incredibly frustrating. Their preferred method for prescription refills is email, but whenever I send a request, they seemingly disregard it completely. After waiting patiently for a couple of weeks, I'm forced to follow up by phone. During these calls, the staff acts as if my previous email never existed, repeatedly instructing me to email my prescription request. When I explain that I've already done so weeks earlier with no response, the receptionist becomes irritated that I'm now calling, and seems more concerned about the phone connection than addressing my medication needs.

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SF

Stephanie F. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate care from an amazing nurse

I've recently returned from an excellent consultation with the nurse at this clinic. While securing an appointment proved challenging due to their high patient volume, it's understandable given how bustling the practice is. The healthcare professional who attended to me was exceptionally compassionate, empathetic, and genuinely attentive to my worries. Recognizing my potential anxiety, she immediately scheduled a follow-up appointment to provide reassurance. As someone working in a customer-oriented role, I deeply value constructive recognition. It's refreshing to acknowledge that healthcare experiences aren't always negative.

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FF

Finn F. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible reception ruins excellent medical care

The medical professionals here are top-notch, but the front desk staff completely destroy any positive patient experience. When I reached out to schedule a consultation for a severe tonsillitis case, the receptionist dismissively suggested I probably didn't have the condition and was extremely hesitant to book me an appointment. She proceeded to lecture me about home treatments like gargling salt water and taking paracetamol. I was forced to extensively detail my medical background and symptoms to someone who is clearly not a qualified healthcare professional and has no business interrogating patients about their health. While I recognize this practice is overwhelmed with patients, belittling people and attempting to deny them medical care is absolutely unacceptable. I'm genuinely concerned that this callous approach could potentially cause serious harm to someone in the near future.

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About the GP

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

Contact Information

  • 01202 636400
  • Talbot Medical Centre 63 Kinson Rd,Wallisdown Bournemouth Dorset BH10 4BX

Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a mixed experience with significant contrasts between clinical and administrative services. Medical professionals are consistently praised for their attentiveness, compassion, and clinical expertise, with patients reporting thorough consultations and effective care. However, reception and administrative functions present substantial challenges that undermine overall satisfaction. Patients frequently report difficulties with appointment access, including long waiting lists, inflexible booking systems, and poor phone communication with frequent disconnections. Reception staff courtesy varies considerably, with some patients experiencing dismissive or discourteous interactions, whilst others report welcoming service.

Key concerns centre on appointment availability and the booking experience, with patients describing multi-week waits and barriers to accessing timely care. Communication breakdowns extend to prescription management and follow-up arrangements. Several patients highlight inadequate accessibility for vulnerable groups, including elderly patients and those with disabilities, who struggle with digital-only booking systems and inflexible processes. Administrative errors, including mismanaged medical records and confused patient information, have been documented across multiple reviews.

Whilst the practice demonstrates clinical excellence and compassionate care from medical staff, systemic issues with responsiveness, organisation, and accessibility require urgent attention to ensure equitable service delivery across all patient groups.

Appointment

35.67 %
Poor

Reception

38.91 %
Poor

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

72.45 %
Great

Respect

42.18 %
Poor

Seen on time

41.23 %
Poor
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