Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals a practice with significant operational and clinical challenges alongside pockets of positive experience. Appointment access remains a persistent barrier, with patients reporting difficulty booking consultations, extended waiting periods to reach reception, and delayed callback arrangements. Communication responsiveness emerges as a major concern, with patients describing unresponsive online systems, prolonged delays in receiving test results, and insufficient explanation during consultations. Several patients highlight issues with continuity of care, including inconsistent physician availability and fragmented medical record-keeping that affects treatment decisions.

Where the practice receives praise, it centres on reception staff professionalism, individual clinician expertise, and compassionate care from specific team members. However, these positive interactions are overshadowed by broader systemic issues including medication management problems, insufficient clinical examination, dismissive responses to patient concerns, and barriers created by reception gatekeeping. Patients report feeling unheard and abandoned, particularly those with complex medical needs or mobility limitations seeking home visits or specialist support.

The feedback suggests the practice requires substantial improvements in appointment availability systems, communication protocols, clinical responsiveness, and staff training to ensure patients receive timely, thorough, and respectful care. Recent management changes have been noted positively by some patients, indicating potential for service improvement if systemic issues are addressed comprehensively.

Appointment

32.15 %
Bad

Reception

42.30 %
Poor

Cleanliness

50.00 %
Average

Care

35.20 %
Poor

Respect

36.80 %
Poor

Seen on time

28.90 %
Bad

Filter

DH

Daniel H. one month ago

Rating

Poor!

  • Appointment

    Bad
  • Reception

    Average
  • Cleanliness

    Great
  • Care

    Bad
  • Respect

    Bad
  • Seen On Time

    Bad

Diabolical service

I phoned for an appointment and was told a doctor would call, the doctor never called and put in my practice notes "missed appointment" so I called the next day and asked what happened, I was told they had no idea so made me another appointment for that morning. By 2pm I checked my practice notes and it yet again stated I had missed the appointment, so I re-phoned the surgery and was told the doctor is deffinatly going to ring you so I waited till 9pm, still no phone call. This was a friday so I had to wait till monday but monday night I was away with work so was going to call when home. By chance I checked my practice notes and it yet again said I had missed an appointment on Monday. The Doctors surgery has gone seriously downhill since this new company has taken over. I have now asked for the Practice Manager to call me but i'm not holding my breath.

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D

David one month ago

Rating

Poor!

  • Appointment

    Bad
  • Reception

    Average
  • Cleanliness

    Great
  • Care

    Bad
  • Respect

    Poor
  • Seen On Time

    Bad

Poor Service and communication

Having been told I had high potassium levels after I had a routine blood test, I was advised to have my bloods tested again as a matter of urgency as this could be life threatening. I had the blood test repeated the next day, this was on the 16th April 2026. It’s now 28th April and despite writing to the practice I have not heard a thing. Does it need me to suffer a heart attack for someone to take notice? After being told by two doctors that high potassium needs to be treated as a matter of urgency, has left me worrying for my what may happen next, although I was told that if I should experience chest pain, I should call 999 verry reassuring! I am 77 years old, perhaps I am a burden to society and not worth caring about!

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ZD

Zack D. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Supportive staff helped my mental health journey

I've been a patient at this practice for nearly a decade, and calling them fantastic simply doesn't do them justice. The staff have been incredibly supportive, especially regarding my mental health challenges. Molly and Joe in particular are outstanding professionals who have significantly helped me feel at ease during my visits to the clinic.

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JB

Jane B. Google 11 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and impossible to see a doctor

Absolutely terrible medical service, completely impossible to secure an in-person consultation. Every single time I'm informed they haven't updated their scheduling system for the upcoming period. Their alternative of a phone consultation with a doctor is utterly pointless - frequently the communication is unclear, and they're eager to terminate the call quickly. I strongly advise avoiding this practice unless you're in absolute dire straits. The existing feedback about this place speaks volumes. Following my recent disappointing experience, I'll definitely be seeking healthcare elsewhere. 😠

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JD

June D. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff made my medical visit better

The transformation at The Hollies following the new management is remarkable. The quality of care has been steadily rising. Jo at the front desk has been incredibly supportive and accommodating, and Dr Dev has truly demonstrated exceptional dedication in addressing my medical concerns. From the initial interaction to the final consultation, the service has been compassionate and attentive. My sincere appreciation goes out to the team. Continue maintaining this excellent standard.

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LJ

Lizzie J. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to book an appointment here

An extremely subpar experience. Scheduling an appointment is nearly impossible, and you'll typically spend around 15 minutes on hold when calling. Their online booking platform is perpetually shut down due to being overwhelmed. Regrettably, I cannot endorse their service.

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GW

Gwin W. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Busy clinic with caring staff during covid

The Hollies provides an exceptional service, particularly during the challenging COVID period. This medical practice outperforms other healthcare facilities. Many people are unaware of the extensive range of services offered here. They provide podiatry, physiotherapy, social care, rehabilitation, and countless other specialized treatments that go beyond typical surgeries. The doctors and nursing staff are consistently hardworking and dedicated. While the clinic is not open on weekends, they do host specific Saturday clinics such as flu vaccinations and smear tests. The receptionists and entire staff team are truly remarkable. It's unfortunate that negative reviews exist, as they are completely unwarranted given the high-quality care provided.

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JR

Jenny R. Google one year ago

Rating

Poor!

Dismissed and frustrated with gp care

I've encountered substantial difficulties obtaining the necessary support from The Hollies Surgery. My experience with moderate to severe IBS symptoms and mental health issues has been marked by unproductive interactions with the GP. In the past, I was prescribed medication that significantly worsened my IBS symptoms. When I attempted to discuss these concerns, the GP dismissed them entirely. Although I've discontinued the medication, I feel compelled to highlight this issue to prevent similar experiences for future patients. One Community Mental Health Nurse (CMHN) provided some helpful guidance, but their recommendations were not endorsed by the broader practice team. I'm deeply worried about the practice's limited understanding and support for patients with complex medical needs like mine. The recommended treatments have been ineffective, and I've experienced significant challenges in scheduling appointments and receiving timely responses to my communications. My medical records have additional problematic aspects, including missing information and numerous inaccuracies. The records only contain information from 2021 onwards, despite my longer history with the surgery dating back to 2018. An inexplicable reference to 2001 further compounds the record-keeping issues, raising serious concerns about the potential impact on my healthcare. Moreover, I'm concerned that critical medications from around 2018, including laxatives, sertraline, and the subsequent transition to fluoxetine, are not accurately documented in my medical records. This omission raises significant questions about the comprehensiveness and reliability of my medical history, which is crucial for providing appropriate care. As an individual with anxiety and ASD, verbal communication is challenging for me, and I find the appointment booking process and consultation interactions overwhelming and stressful. I sincerely hope The Hollies Surgery will carefully consider my concerns and actively work to enhance their services for patients in similar situations.

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JW

Jolanta W. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Fast and friendly customer support

Outstanding customer support with rapid communication and exceptional assistance

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SH

Sara H. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Meds nightmare during bank holiday week

Complete nonsense how the physicians recommended a drug that's been discontinued and when I contacted the medical office about resolving this issue, they refused to take action until after the holiday weekend

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SM

Shanice M. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrated with doctors' unhelpful communication

I'm completely fed up with the medical staff right now. Whenever I call about my 7-year-old, they constantly redirect me to his specialist! 🤦 Aren't general practitioners and consultants supposed to collaborate effectively? Additionally, booking an appointment is nearly impossible, which is incredibly aggravating!

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CW

Connie W. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst customer service ever at this spot

Absolute garbage establishment. If the rating system allowed zero stars, I'd choose that in a heartbeat. This place is completely laughable.

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DL

Duncan L. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst flight ever on tuesday morning

Absolutely terrible customer support with zero professionalism or care. Complete waste of time and energy dealing with these incompetent staff members.

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SC

Sharon C. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Useless online service that goes nowhere

Total nonsense, I can't comprehend what these alleged medical professionals actually accomplish since they never seem to interact with patients. They've modified their digital 'support' system where you receive a quick reply, but it typically instructs you to visit the pharmacy or emergency room instead. I attempted to discuss a medication concern and was directed to use their online platform, even though my issue wasn't strictly health-related, and predictably, two months have passed with zero communication - no email, phone call, text, or even a simple notification explaining that my query was being transferred to another department. Absolutely futile and ridiculous, they desperately need to overhaul their entire operation !!!!!!!!!!

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DF

David F. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly doctor who really listens

Recently relocated to a new area and needed to switch healthcare providers, so I chose this medical practice. I had prior knowledge of them, and today I met my doctor for the first time. I'm thoroughly impressed - she was attentive, listened carefully to my concerns, and took the time to ensure I'm managing my medications correctly. Definitely a 5-star experience.

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LF

Linda F. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick and caring doctor visit

Contacted the medical practice early today, and was greeted swiftly by a delightful Receptionist who helpfully organized a physician callback. The doctor reached out much faster than anticipated, carefully listened to my concerns, reviewed my familial medical background, and noted my allergy information. The entire experience was outstanding, with absolutely no room for criticism. Much appreciation to the staff.

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Z“

Zak “. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Caring doctor who saved my life

Throughout my extended medical journey with Dr. Nimako, I've encountered significant health challenges. His dedication and commitment to my well-being have been exceptional. He consistently went above and beyond, exploring every possible treatment option and ensuring I received the most appropriate care. When specialized intervention was necessary, he promptly arranged hospital referrals. Thanks to his professional expertise and compassionate approach, I'm now on the path to recovery, and I cannot express enough appreciation for his outstanding medical support.

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MR

Marta R. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Rude doctor who mocked my healthcare background

I have nothing positive to say about this general practitioner, their communication is absolutely terrible, and they show zero concern for patient care. During one consultation, the doctor even mockingly commented on healthcare practices in my home country, which I firmly believe are actually superior to the treatment here. Our medical professionals are far more competent and can diagnose issues accurately without constantly referencing online search results!!! Avoid this practice at all costs!

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JM

Jamie M. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Caring doctors who really look after families

The personnel here are incredibly accommodating and welcoming, demonstrating excellent coordination and effectiveness. They provide exceptional care for myself, my spouse, and our children. Any pressing matters have consistently been addressed promptly. Additionally, there's a professionally managed pharmacy on-site. I have absolutely nothing but glowing remarks about this medical practice! I recommend that individuals disregard the complainers' negative feedback, as their experiences are completely unlike our own.

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JB

Jamie B. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible doctor's office ignored my kid's health

Absolutely worthless medical practice. Repeatedly fails to follow through on promised communication, shows zero commitment to scheduling appointments. You'd get better service from an internet search engine. The fact that this negligence involves my young child's well-being makes it exponentially more infuriating.

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Trusted by GP practices across the UK
Practice Response Rate
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Shows how often this practice responds to patient reviews and feedback.

About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01366 389289
  • The Hollies Surgery Paradise Road Downham Market Norfolk PE38 9JE

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reveals a practice with significant operational and clinical challenges alongside pockets of positive experience. Appointment access remains a persistent barrier, with patients reporting difficulty booking consultations, extended waiting periods to reach reception, and delayed callback arrangements. Communication responsiveness emerges as a major concern, with patients describing unresponsive online systems, prolonged delays in receiving test results, and insufficient explanation during consultations. Several patients highlight issues with continuity of care, including inconsistent physician availability and fragmented medical record-keeping that affects treatment decisions.

Where the practice receives praise, it centres on reception staff professionalism, individual clinician expertise, and compassionate care from specific team members. However, these positive interactions are overshadowed by broader systemic issues including medication management problems, insufficient clinical examination, dismissive responses to patient concerns, and barriers created by reception gatekeeping. Patients report feeling unheard and abandoned, particularly those with complex medical needs or mobility limitations seeking home visits or specialist support.

The feedback suggests the practice requires substantial improvements in appointment availability systems, communication protocols, clinical responsiveness, and staff training to ensure patients receive timely, thorough, and respectful care. Recent management changes have been noted positively by some patients, indicating potential for service improvement if systemic issues are addressed comprehensively.

Appointment

32.15 %
Bad

Reception

42.30 %
Poor

Cleanliness

50.00 %
Average

Care

35.20 %
Poor

Respect

36.80 %
Poor

Seen on time

28.90 %
Bad
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