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

A

Anonymouse 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

  • Appointment

    Bad
  • Reception

    Bad
  • Cleanliness

    Bad
  • Care

    Bad
  • Respect

    Bad
  • Seen On Time

    Bad

Awful Deteriorating Service

Almost impossible to book and get an appointment, the online chat and booking service is hardly ever on and in use, the staff are very judgemental and don't consider facts, the service is getting worse, reluctant staff, some appointments held in communal parts of the building, rude staff, staff seem to have forgotten why they got into this line of work

More Info
LW

Louise W. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick and helpful medical advice online

My general practitioner's online consultation platform is truly excellent.

More Info
MA

Mark A. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Prescription lost again at hollies pharmacy

I'm back to collect my medication, and once more they've misplaced my prescription. I desperately need these tablets, but nobody seems willing to assist me. The staff at the Hollies appear completely indifferent, and I'm escalating this issue. Wasn't healthcare supposed to prioritize patient well-being?

More Info
CR

Clair R. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating wait for doctor's appointment

It's impossible to schedule an appointment on your own; you're solely dependent on a doctor initiating contact. Follow-up consultations consistently fail to materialize, and in my 17-month experience with this practice, I've only managed to see a single physician.

More Info
AB

Alan B. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst customer service ever

Severely deficient

More Info
NM

Nicole M. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Long waits and distant doctors

The fundamental services exist, but reaching reception often involves extended waiting periods, and securing GP callback appointments is a challenge. The physicians at this practice seem detached and disinterested, displaying minimal compassion or holistic understanding of patient needs. Their approach makes it difficult to have confidence in entrusting one's medical care to them.

More Info
J(

Jason (. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Doctors dismissed her health concerns

I have absolutely no praise for this medical practice. My partner has been persistently trying to get information about her health, with blood tests done and reception stating the doctors would contact her. She never received the call and had to follow up herself, with no further action taken. She went to another appointment feeling something was amiss, and when she saw the doctor, was abruptly told "there is nothing wrong with you, continue as normal" in a brief 30-second consultation. Still unsatisfied, she booked another appointment with a different doctor who took a urine sample and noticed signs of an infection and potential issues. This GP practice is completely incompetent - I strongly recommend going to Howldale, where they actually examine and care for patients properly.

More Info
GR

Geraldine R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Great!

Kind reception staff saved my day

I want to commend the exceptional reception team who have truly exceeded my expectations. Their professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail are remarkable. One staff member even went out of her way to provide advice via a personal call, which was far more helpful than the online communication system. In stark contrast, the male doctor was incredibly disappointing - he rushed through our phone consultation, provided zero explanation, showed no interest in addressing my concerns, and left me feeling completely anxious and abandoned without any diagnosis or meaningful care. Fortunately, I found relief at Addenbrooks, where an incredible doctor - who had actually come out of retirement - gave me a comprehensive consultation. He took the time to listen, thoroughly examined my condition, answered all my questions, and provided a proper diagnosis. It was such a relief to experience a genuine medical appointment with a caring, knowledgeable physician who represents the best of traditional medical practice.

More Info
HD

Helen D. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible care and lost medical records

The most dreadful surgical experience I've ever encountered! Constant errors, subpar primary care, referrals consistently ignored by the doctor, blood tests vanishing into thin air!! Diagnostic capabilities are abysmal and frequently overlook critical issues. Blood-related conditions are completely neglected, disregarding standard protocols!! Not a single redeeming quality to be found. I have zero confidence in either the physician or the medical facility.

More Info
TF

Twin F. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst healthcare experience ever, avoid clinic

Staff here seem completely disinterested in patient care. If you value your time and health, I strongly recommend finding a different healthcare provider.

More Info
CC

Charlotte C. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Doctors dismissed my pcos symptoms

I'm constantly being dismissed with claims that my irregular blood work is within acceptable ranges. They're treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as if it's standard, and despite a high likelihood of my having the condition, they refuse to conduct diagnostic tests or offer any assistance in managing my related symptoms.

More Info
AW

Alison W. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating care since dr funnell's departure

This medical practice has drastically declined since Dr. Funnell's departure around four years ago. The staff shows zero concern for patients, and attempting to secure a doctor's return call is an exercise in futility. My husband requires consistent INR blood monitoring, yet he's only managed two checks this year due to constant appointment cancellations. When the tests are finally completed, he's meant to receive a follow-up call with results - but don't expect that to happen anytime soon, folks!!!!!

More Info
CC

C C. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Missed meds again and feeling desperate

Consistently failing to deliver my medication on schedule, I'm repeatedly forced to abruptly stop my hormone treatment. Should anything happen to me, this medical practice will bear full responsibility for their negligence.

More Info
FF

Flo F. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

No care for my elderly mother

The complete lack of response or acknowledgment of previous reviews speaks volumes about their level of patient care. I recognize we're amid a pandemic, but what options exist for older, immobile patients experiencing illness? I contacted the surgery regarding my mother, requesting a home visit as she was extremely unwell and unable to leave her bed. Her carers had arrived and informed me of her critical condition. I was informed that house visits are no longer available due to Covid and that a doctor would call back. After 6 hours of waiting, I called again seeking an update, as we had still not received any communication from the surgery. I was then told they could only prescribe additional medication (how can they suggest this without understanding the underlying cause of her pain!) and if her suffering remained severe, we should summon an ambulance. And this is what we endured 6 hours waiting to hear. Incredible. Would they have even bothered to return my call? Doubtful. There's absolutely no empathy or concern shown towards the elderly and homebound. Hours of anxiety spent waiting for potential doctor callbacks that might never materialize, only to be presented with two stark options - either physically come to the surgery or dial emergency services. Period. Unacceptable.

More Info
RR

Richard R. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Referral nightmare after six frustrating years

Absolutely disappointing. Throughout my six-year experience, I've never encountered the same physician more than once. I only seek medical attention when absolutely necessary. On this occasion, the doctor botched the referral documentation, omitting critical details about my condition. The hospital staff were clearly frustrated. In my most recent interaction, I wasted two weeks attempting to secure a referral, constantly being brushed aside. When I ultimately obtained a hospital consultation, I was informed I require a minor surgical procedure. Every single interaction with this medical practice is an uphill battle.

More Info
TH

Tom H. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to reach customer support

Absolutely abysmal customer support - I attempted to reach out via phone, and the line just kept ringing endlessly for more than six minutes. When it finally connected, I was greeted by a recorded message, with no option to leave a voicemail. How are customers expected to communicate with this company? Avida desperately needs to improve their communication channels and responsiveness.

More Info
CA

Cezar A. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Doctors delayed care for my child

Catastrophe, Extremely subpar medical attention, physicians refuse to see patients until they're on the brink of death. Their online consultation system deliberately prolongs response times. Doctors will only contact you the following day if you miss their initial call. Prescription requests are met with minimal cooperation. When I sought a Vitamin D prescription for my child, they flatly rejected it. They didn't even bother to examine her to determine her actual needs. Terrible healthcare, steer clear of this practice.

More Info
CS

Collette S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Frustrating triage system ruined my comfort

The updated system appears to treat receptionists merely as screening personnel, creating an environment that feels unwelcoming to patients. I'm genuinely disappointed, as I had previously found the service to be quite accommodating.

More Info
SM

Stevie M. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Missed leukaemia for months with poor care

Substandard medical attention. Maintained an excessive blood thinner prescription for my father beyond two years without medication review. Incredibly unhelpful front desk staff who blocked his attempt to schedule a telephone consultation for daily dressing changes, as specified by the surgeon from QEH to prevent potential infections. Treated incorrectly for a chest infection for several months until another physician finally diagnosed leukaemia. There appears to be a marginal improvement since the two new female doctors joined, but the reception staff still require clear guidance that they are not qualified medical professionals.

More Info
BS

Belinda S. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Downham Market surgery left me hanging

Stuck in a medical limbo due to surgical practices refusing to transfer me because of an existing procedure in Downham Market, citing 'continuity of care'. What a nightmare! Endured a frustrating 15-minute phone call that abruptly ended without explanation, followed by a callback three days later with a distant appointment five weeks out. When I raised concerns about being disconnected and feeling neglected, their dismissive response was simply 'we are very busy'! This healthcare system desperately requires a complete overhaul.

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

  • 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
Filter

Order By

Rating