Patients report significant challenges accessing the practice, with telephone access and appointment availability emerging as persistent concerns. Many describe difficulty reaching the surgery by phone, with busy lines and extended waiting times to speak with someone. When contact is eventually made, appointment slots are frequently unavailable, with waits extending several weeks or longer. The online booking system has also experienced technical issues, and some patients report frustration with limited in-person appointment availability. Reception team experiences are mixed, with some patients noting helpfulness and courtesy, while others describe inconsistency, dismissiveness, or lack of flexibility in their interactions.
Clinical staff generally receive positive feedback for their professionalism, courtesy, and supportive care. Patients consistently praise doctors and nursing staff for demonstrating genuine care, attentiveness, and medical competence. Vaccination services have been noted as well-organised and efficient. However, concerns about communication and responsiveness extend beyond appointment access, with some patients reporting delayed prescriptions, poor notification about practice closures, and inadequate follow-up regarding test results.
The practice appears to be managing under resource constraints, with some patients acknowledging the mounting demands on staff. While several patients express satisfaction with their overall care experience and appreciate the team's efforts, the combination of access difficulties, appointment availability constraints, and inconsistent reception experiences has led some patients to consider switching providers. The feedback suggests that addressing booking processes, telephone accessibility, and consistency in reception interactions would significantly improve patient satisfaction.
Appointment
Reception
Cleanliness
Care
Respect
Seen on time
Respond to patient reviews
Monitor satisfaction trends
Generate CQC evidence reports
Claim & Manage ProfileShows how often this practice responds to patient reviews and feedback.
Patients report significant challenges accessing the practice, with telephone access and appointment availability emerging as persistent concerns. Many describe difficulty reaching the surgery by phone, with busy lines and extended waiting times to speak with someone. When contact is eventually made, appointment slots are frequently unavailable, with waits extending several weeks or longer. The online booking system has also experienced technical issues, and some patients report frustration with limited in-person appointment availability. Reception team experiences are mixed, with some patients noting helpfulness and courtesy, while others describe inconsistency, dismissiveness, or lack of flexibility in their interactions.
Clinical staff generally receive positive feedback for their professionalism, courtesy, and supportive care. Patients consistently praise doctors and nursing staff for demonstrating genuine care, attentiveness, and medical competence. Vaccination services have been noted as well-organised and efficient. However, concerns about communication and responsiveness extend beyond appointment access, with some patients reporting delayed prescriptions, poor notification about practice closures, and inadequate follow-up regarding test results.
The practice appears to be managing under resource constraints, with some patients acknowledging the mounting demands on staff. While several patients express satisfaction with their overall care experience and appreciate the team's efforts, the combination of access difficulties, appointment availability constraints, and inconsistent reception experiences has led some patients to consider switching providers. The feedback suggests that addressing booking processes, telephone accessibility, and consistency in reception interactions would significantly improve patient satisfaction.
Appointment
Reception
Cleanliness
Care
Respect
Seen on time
Filter
Simon A.
4 years ago
Bad!
Long wait on the phone line
The appointment response took approximately 45 minutes, which felt unproductive.
Nathan J.
4 years ago
Poor!
Frustrated with long waits for callback
Waiting for a callback regarding my health concerns, becoming increasingly frustrated with the delay in receiving assistance when appointments take several weeks to arrange.
Keith G.
4 years ago
Excellent!
Professional care despite busy phone lines
Excellent service overall. Each healthcare professional I've encountered has demonstrated professionalism, courtesy, and comprehensive medical attention. The phone lines can sometimes experience wait times, but I have no complaints about the staff given the mounting demands they face.
Rosalind N.
4 years ago
Bad!
No follow-up after tests ordered here
Haven't received any follow-up communication regarding tests that were arranged, which is becoming quite frustrating.
Dave K.
5 years ago
Excellent!
Quick and efficient vaccine appointment
Contacted the practice for a vaccination appointment, experienced minimal waiting time, and the visit was completed efficiently.
Kevin T.
5 years ago
Excellent!
Efficient vaccine appointment, quick and straightforward
The vaccination appointment was well-organised and ran smoothly from arrival to departure.
Hanna L.
5 years ago
Bad!
Dismissed without examination or proper listening
A frustrating experience overall. I felt unsupported when I attended with a health concern and was discouraged from seeking help, with suggestions to manage the issue independently using over-the-counter options instead. During that visit, I wasn't examined thoroughly before being prescribed medication, which unfortunately didn't address the underlying problem. The interaction felt dismissive and unhelpful. More recently, I contacted the practice requesting a prescription for a treatment to help with my son's skin condition affecting his hands, which were causing him discomfort. A call with a staff member involved a lengthy conversation where I repeated information multiple times, yet no prescription was issued. I ended up purchasing a product independently as I didn't receive the support I was seeking. It feels counterproductive when a medical practice doesn't provide the assistance patients expect, particularly when we contribute through taxation. The service fell short of what I would hope for. I am considering registering with a different practice.
Angela Y.
5 years ago
Excellent!
Staff made the vaccination appointment smooth
Just attended the practice for our covid vaccinations and all the staff members were excellent and very helpful. Thank you very much for the outstanding service provided.
Andre H.
5 years ago
Excellent!
Helpful staff despite long waiting times
Excellent and extremely supportive service. I'm looking forward to when I can hear properly again and hopefully the team can resolve the issue with my hearing device. I'm hoping the wait won't be too long. The current health situation has certainly created some challenges, with uncertainty around appointments and access to care. My hearing device has stopped functioning at the moment despite trying a replacement battery. I'm hopeful that the appointment coming up will help address this, otherwise I'll be without sound.
Lola L.
6 years ago
Bad!
Reception staff were dismissive and unhelpful
I would rate this practice much lower if the option existed. The receptionist I encountered today displayed behaviour that I found rude and condescending, with poor interpersonal skills that suggest a need for further training. Obtaining an appointment to see a clinician is extremely difficult as the surgery appears consistently full, and attempting to book by telephone in the morning results in continuous engaged tones. When I attended in person early in the morning, I was informed that no appointments were available. I would recommend looking elsewhere for your care.
Chris W.
6 years ago
Bad!
Couldn't get an appointment for weeks
On several recent occasions when I've needed medical attention, I've had to visit a walk-in centre instead of my regular practice due to lengthy waiting times for appointments.
David B.
6 years ago
Bad!
Reception staff need better customer service training
The clinical staff members are excellent and perform their roles very well. Unfortunately, the front desk team significantly detract from the overall experience. They came across as unwelcoming and unhelpful, lacking in understanding. It would benefit the practice if the reception team received training in customer service and professional communication.
Dan C.
6 years ago
Great!
Modern surgery with a helpful app and good staff support
A spacious and contemporary medical practice located in Hebburn. The facility also houses another practice which is in the process of closing. An on-site pharmacy is available, though some patients may prefer to use alternative options as the pharmacy space is compact and the payment system feels somewhat dated. The practice offers a straightforward app for requesting prescriptions and booking appointments, which functions effectively. A website is also provided, though many find the app to be the superior option. Securing an appointment is reasonably straightforward once you become familiar with how the booking system operates. Those unfamiliar with the process may experience longer waiting times of around a month. The reception team are very helpful and attentive. It would be beneficial if additional staff were stationed at the desk during peak times to help manage queuing. Phone-based support is also of a high standard. The introduction of a ticket system has improved the waiting experience, allowing patients to remain seated while awaiting their turn at reception. Overall, the practice demonstrates thoughtful management of patient flow.
Bri R.
6 years ago
Excellent!
Long waits but upstairs staff are helpful
I attend this medical centre for my annual diabetes check-up. I can confirm that the upstairs reception and clinical staff provide excellent service. I understand the concerns raised by other patients, as my own experience reflects similar challenges, particularly regarding appointment availability. The extended waiting times appear to be linked to increased demand on the practice's resources.
Lisa F.
6 years ago
Excellent!
Reception staff were genuinely helpful and supportive
I have had no concerns with this practice at all. The reception team has been very helpful and the clinical staff have been excellent.
Kath K.
7 years ago
Bad!
Reception staff insisted on unnecessary photo ID
Intrusive reception experience. I recently attempted to submit a form requesting digital access to the medical practice services. I was informed that photographic identification would be required. Upon reviewing the form, the only reference to photographic evidence appears in a section marked for practice use only. There are alternative methods available for identity verification, such as cross-referencing information already held in patient records. The receptionist, however, insisted that photographic identification was mandatory. It would be beneficial if the form were revised to clearly communicate to patients whether photographic ID is necessary or if identity can alternatively be verified through existing records, as indicated within the form itself.
Colin P.
7 years ago
Bad!
Long wait for appointments, considering alternatives
I recently called to book an appointment and was informed that the earliest available slot is a month away. I found this waiting time quite frustrating and am now considering switching to a different practice.
Christine C.
7 years ago
Excellent!
Staff were genuinely helpful and attentive
The team provided excellent support and demonstrated genuine care throughout my visit. Everyone I encountered was friendly and willing to assist with my needs.
Deka H.
7 years ago
Bad!
Long phone queues make booking impossible
I found the appointment booking process to be quite frustrating. After waiting on the phone for a considerable amount of time to get through, I was informed that there were no available appointments. When I asked about future availability, I was told there were none foreseeable. I then enquired whether I could be added to a list for when a slot became free, but was advised that this wasn't possible and that I would need to keep calling back to try to secure an appointment. The whole experience felt rather disorganised, and I'm disappointed that in the current day it's so difficult to book an appointment at my long-standing practice. The reliance on repeatedly phoning up feels like an unreliable system. I'm now considering whether it might be time to look for a different surgery.
Maker9999 M.
7 years ago
Bad!
Receptionists never answer the phones here
The reception team seems disorganised, as phone calls go unanswered throughout the day and it's unclear what keeps them occupied.