Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a deeply divided experience at this practice, with significant challenges in appointment access contrasting sharply with positive clinical care. The most consistent concern across reviews is the difficulty in booking appointments, with patients reporting perpetually busy phone lines, same-day-only scheduling systems, and extended waiting periods to reach reception staff. Prescription delays and communication breakdowns also feature prominently in negative feedback, alongside reports of reception staff discourtesy and unhelpful responses to patient inquiries.

Where patients successfully access care, the clinical experience is notably positive. Doctors are frequently described as compassionate, professional, and thorough, with nursing staff praised for their supportive and responsive approach. Several patients highlight specific staff members for exceptional care and attentiveness during consultations and procedures. The practice environment is generally viewed as welcoming when patients reach the clinical team.

The gap between reception and clinical service quality emerges as the defining issue. While systemic pressures and resource constraints are acknowledged by some patients, the booking system itself is widely criticised as fundamentally flawed and inadequate for current demand. Patients express frustration that accessing care requires disproportionate effort, though those who persist report receiving quality medical attention once appointments are secured.

Appointment

35.67 %
Poor

Reception

42.18 %
Poor

Cleanliness

75.50 %
Great

Care

72.45 %
Great

Respect

45.23 %
Poor

Seen on time

38.92 %
Poor

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SJ

S42 J. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible customer service from unhelpful receptionists

The front desk staff are incredibly discourteous; they consistently appear unwilling to assist and respond to phone calls with an attitude that suggests customers are an unwelcome interruption, despite this being their primary responsibility. On multiple occasions, I've received inaccurate information. While I recognize that workplaces are currently experiencing high-pressure environments, there's absolutely no justification for their blatant rudeness. We're simply seeking basic support and guidance.

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SW

Shaun W. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and impossible to book appointments

Getting an urgent medical consultation here is a real challenge. The phone lines are perpetually busy, making same-day appointments seem like a distant dream. I'm seriously considering finding a different medical practice that offers more accessible care.

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CF

Carl F. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Pristine service with professional perlite team

Neat and well-organized perlite team

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BM

Bernadette M. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Excellent medical care despite occasional wait times

I cannot fault the support at this Medical Practice. While phone access can be challenging, with queues forming early and numerous callers competing for limited staff attention, I've never struggled to secure an appointment for more than two days. This scenario is typical across most non-private GP Practices. The Reception staff have consistently been courteous; while some are more cheerful than others, they've always maintained a professional demeanor. The Doctors have invariably been exceptionally attentive, making me feel genuinely valued during consultations. I'm genuinely disappointed that Dr Blake has departed, as she was an exceptional physician who worked tirelessly to address my medical concerns. Her dedication and patience were remarkable, and her new Practice is fortunate to have her. There might be potential for enhancing services by integrating additional in-house offerings, though I acknowledge the potential complexity of such an undertaking. Based on my extensive experience with this Practice, I would wholeheartedly recommend them without any reservations.

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DM

David M. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst experience ever terrible service and attitude

I'd rate this establishment at rock bottom, since it's absolutely terrible and the employees are incredibly discourteous - steer clear and save yourself the frustration 👎

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JS

Jo S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional team makes my day better

Exceptional service from the front desk staff today! Truly impressed and grateful for their help. Many thanks!

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ID

Ian D. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate help from margaret saves the day

Margaret, a receptionist, provided outstanding assistance during my recent interaction. Due to a procedural update for blood test scheduling, I needed to arrange a new appointment at the hospital. She skillfully booked my appointment at a more convenient location. Her customer-oriented approach was truly impressive, representing a level of service that is all too rare in public sector organizations.

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WK

Wiktoria K. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible booking system wastes hours of my time

Scheduling an appointment here is a nightmare. Despite calling right when lines open at 8 AM, you're typically stuck on hold for over half an hour, only to be informed that no slots are available. Sometimes the call even drops unexpectedly. After making 11 separate attempts, I finally got into the queue at 8:30, only to find myself 30th in line. Absolutely frustrating! 😠

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DC

Darren C. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service ruins entire dining experience

Total waste of time and space. Complete disappointment from start to finish.

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MF

Mark F. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Great!

Great service with friendly staff

Highly satisfactory interaction

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DW

Dave W. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Disappointing decline of once great medical practice

I've been compelled to file a formal complaint with NHS England regarding the physician and practice manager. Ever since Dr. Magrogan's retirement, this medical facility has dramatically declined from being top-tier to arguably the most substandard in the area. The ongoing reviews reflect this deterioration, and the practice itself continues to slide downward. While the physical space is impressive - spacious, well-lit, and modern - it's disappointing that the majority of the staff fail to meet even basic professional standards.

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JW

Justyna W. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating healthcare experience with impossible appointment booking

Booking an appointment here is a nightmare. The phone lines open at 8 am, but after 20 minutes of constant dialing, you're told all slots are full for the day - and this happens every single time! Getting through to an actual human seems impossible. The clinic's doors remain shut, and patients are reduced to communicating through an impersonal intercom, as if we're some kind of undesirable beings. I'm utterly dismayed by how patients are being treated these days. The NHS should be about supporting people, not exploiting the COVID situation to make healthcare access even more challenging. This experience is unacceptable, and it's definitely time to find a new medical practice!

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IS

Iris S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service ruins great medical care experience

The medical professionals are excellent, however the administrative personnel are APPALLING!! They would definitely be terminated if employed at a private medical institution - GENUINELY TERRIBLE!

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MT

Michelle T. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate doctors who truly care about their patients

Dr. Blake is truly exceptional, and I cannot express my gratitude enough. She consistently provides comfort and alleviates my concerns with her compassionate approach. Her ability to make me feel heard and supported is remarkable. She's an outstanding physician. Similarly, Dr. AJ is equally impressive. He demonstrates genuine care and attentiveness, always willing to listen and offer assistance. He's an incredibly kind-hearted professional. Both of these doctors are outstanding in their commitment to patient care. Their willingness to spend time discussing concerns and their empathetic nature is truly invaluable. The time they dedicate on the phone and their overall approach make a significant difference in patient experience. We are deeply appreciative of their exceptional medical care and personal touch. The Thorpe Family.

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ST

Serigne T. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible customer service at this establishment

Unhelpful and disrespectful employees who lack basic customer service skills and professionalism.

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PW

Patryk W. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service with endless waiting and no resolution

2-minute recorded message interrupts every call, repeatedly disconnecting callers. Remove this frustrating and useless phone system that's only angering customers. UPDATE After enduring 30 calls and waiting 30 minutes in the queue, the result is a blunt "No appointments available"........

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AJ

Abbey J. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible gp practice with zero communication skills

I am utterly frustrated with this GP practice. Over a week ago, I called about my mental health and was assured an appointment in the morning, but by 6:25pm, no call had come through. When I contacted them, they casually changed my appointment to the next day. I also requested a blood test prescription for numbing cream to be sent to the pharmacy, and they claimed it was ready. However, upon arrival, there was no prescription. I waited until my appointment and returned to the pharmacy, still finding nothing. When I called the GP practice, they mentioned a green slip I was never informed about, which ultimately rendered the cream ineffective. Most recently, I called on Tuesday about a prescription I've been taking for over two years, and they said it was at the pharmacy. Yet again, nothing was there. I phoned the doctors, who then stated it would take three days. Today is Friday, and the prescription is still not ready, leaving me in considerable discomfort. The practice seems completely indifferent to patient needs. Their staff, especially the receptionists, are shockingly incompetent and unprofessional.

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MO

Muyibat O. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible customer service for nhs staff

I'm deeply frustrated by this unfair situation. As an NHS employee myself, I've been stuck on hold for more than two hours and am still waiting while composing this review.

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SH

Susan H. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating appointment system ruins long-term patient experience

After being a loyal patient at this medical practice for three decades, I once held them in high regard. However, my opinion has drastically changed. Though I'm not a frequent visitor to the doctor, when I genuinely need medical attention, securing an appointment has become an incredibly frustrating ordeal. As a working professional over 60, I'm employed from 7am to 1:30pm and find it completely impractical to spend half an hour on hold during my work hours, only to be informed that all appointments are booked. Attempting to reschedule the next day yields the exact same result. It is absolutely critical that they develop a more streamlined and accessible appointment system without delay!!!!

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NC

Natalie C. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible appointments and endless phone wait times

Establishing a medical practice but not staffing it adequately makes scheduling an appointment incredibly challenging. Attempting to book a slot means starting to dial at 8am and finally getting through at 9:40, only to be informed no appointments are available. It's virtually impossible to secure a consultation at this clinic, which is completely ridiculous and frustrating. On a positive note, the reception team is commendable - specifically Lindsey and Joanne, who are genuinely friendly and helpful.

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About the GP

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

Contact Information

  • 0161 7209441
  • The Avenue Medical Centre 51-53 Victoria Avenue Blackley Manchester M9 6BA

Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a deeply divided experience at this practice, with significant challenges in appointment access contrasting sharply with positive clinical care. The most consistent concern across reviews is the difficulty in booking appointments, with patients reporting perpetually busy phone lines, same-day-only scheduling systems, and extended waiting periods to reach reception staff. Prescription delays and communication breakdowns also feature prominently in negative feedback, alongside reports of reception staff discourtesy and unhelpful responses to patient inquiries.

Where patients successfully access care, the clinical experience is notably positive. Doctors are frequently described as compassionate, professional, and thorough, with nursing staff praised for their supportive and responsive approach. Several patients highlight specific staff members for exceptional care and attentiveness during consultations and procedures. The practice environment is generally viewed as welcoming when patients reach the clinical team.

The gap between reception and clinical service quality emerges as the defining issue. While systemic pressures and resource constraints are acknowledged by some patients, the booking system itself is widely criticised as fundamentally flawed and inadequate for current demand. Patients express frustration that accessing care requires disproportionate effort, though those who persist report receiving quality medical attention once appointments are secured.

Appointment

35.67 %
Poor

Reception

42.18 %
Poor

Cleanliness

75.50 %
Great

Care

72.45 %
Great

Respect

45.23 %
Poor

Seen on time

38.92 %
Poor
Filter

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