Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reflects a divided experience at the practice. Many patients commend the courtesy and compassionate approach of clinical and reception staff, noting their welcoming demeanor and professional expertise. Prescription services are praised for efficiency, with medication typically delivered promptly. Online consultation services have also received positive feedback for responsiveness.

However, significant operational challenges emerge across multiple reviews. Appointment booking presents persistent difficulties, with patients reporting incorrect physician assignments requiring rescheduling, extended waiting times to secure appointments, and barriers for elderly patients accessing the telephone booking system. Medication dispensing errors have occurred, and reception staff dismissiveness has been noted by several patients. The recent implementation of a triage system has generated particular concern, with patients reporting that non-clinical staff now conduct questioning before addressing medical needs, creating additional complexity when patients seek support.

Access barriers are highlighted as especially problematic for vulnerable populations, including elderly patients with hearing difficulties and those with dementia. Long waiting times beyond scheduled appointments and difficulty reaching staff for guidance compound these concerns. While some patients report confidence in medical expertise, the overall service experience has reportedly declined, with several noting a marked deterioration since previous operational approaches.

Appointment

42.86 %
Poor

Reception

48.57 %
Poor

Cleanliness

75.00 %
Great

Care

58.71 %
Average

Respect

51.43 %
Average

Seen on time

45.71 %
Poor

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PB

Patricia B. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and impossible to get help

Scheduling a visit seems impossible. Getting assistance or guidance is futile, as no one is available to communicate. The online medication ordering process is incredibly frustrating and complex.

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TT

Tim T. Google one year ago

Rating

Average!

Disappointing decline from once excellent medical practice

After relocating to Ilminster in 2022, we were thrilled with the Meadows Surgery, experiencing exceptional care from the entire medical team. The staff, including receptionists, doctors, and nurses, were consistently helpful, and securing face-to-face consultations was straightforward. However, since implementing their new 'triaged system', the quality of care has dramatically declined. The practice has lost its previous excellence, feeling like a mere shell of its former self. If the surgery manager believes this approach represents an improvement in patient care, they are woefully mistaken and completely disconnected from the reality of patients' experiences.

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JC

Jan C. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional online healthcare service saves the day

Twice over the past few weeks, I've utilized this online service for my elderly mother, and I'm thoroughly impressed by their swift and attentive response. Shortly after submitting the details of her medical concern—just thirty minutes later—a qualified doctor arrived at our doorstep. I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your consistently outstanding support.

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CC

Chloe C. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating wait times and unfriendly doctor's office

The medical practice falls short in several areas, particularly in creating a welcoming environment for children, with a complete absence of entertainment options in the waiting area. Moreover, scheduling has been frustratingly slow, requiring a full month to secure a GP appointment, and on the day of the visit, I was left waiting an additional 40 minutes beyond my designated time slot.

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RR

Rick R. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Dementia patients failed by uncaring medical practice

My mother, who recently succumbed to Alzheimer's, frequently encountered difficulties accessing medical care or consulting a physician. We were repeatedly compelled to transport her to Musgrove Park Hospital's Accident and Emergency department, where she was admitted multiple times during 2023/2024. Contrary to their claims, this is not a genuinely Dementia-friendly medical practice. Just yesterday, my elderly father, who is 86 and struggles with hearing, was informed he could no longer book appointments at the reception desk. Instead, he was instructed to telephone at 8:30 am and essentially join a general queue. We have attempted this booking method numerous times but consistently failed to connect. The receptionist displayed minimal empathy and acknowledged that the appointment scheduling system was fundamentally flawed. The NHS, established in 1948 to provide universal healthcare, has seemingly abandoned its original mission. It now appears that medical access is restricted to those who are quickest, most capable, or most articulate. The current approach represents a profound betrayal of the service's founding principles. Meadows Surgery should be ashamed of their approach.

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LG

Linda G. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service destroying patient care and dignity

The situation with this medical practice continues to deteriorate. As previous reviewers have noted, several front desk staff display discourteous and uncooperative attitudes, and now, with their recently implemented approach, these employees lacking medical credentials will not simply schedule appointments but instead interrogate patients about personal matters before addressing their actual needs. Their promotional material claims they are thrilled to be launching a "total triage" model! In reality, they should feel embarrassed - creating additional stress and complexity precisely when patients require compassion, support, and empathy.

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MM

Mark M. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrated patient reveals disappointing medical consultation

Visited my doctor today, and it was utterly pointless. Contemporary physicians seem to have a narrow perspective, dismissing my symptoms as purely psychological. Their suggestion seems to be that we should all stop taking prescribed medications and see how we fare. The medical practice has clearly deteriorated to an unacceptable level of care.

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R(

R (. Google one year ago

Rating

Average!

Disappointing decline from once great medical practice

What was once an excellent medical practice has recently declined in quality. The front desk staff, particularly one receptionist, displays a dismissive and uncooperative attitude. Attempting to navigate their digital platforms is utterly frustrating. I'm actively seeking alternative healthcare providers at the earliest opportunity.

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LH

Lily H. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and endless medical appointment frustrations

Over the past two years, I've experienced numerous frustrating incidents. On several occasions, I've arrived for scheduled appointments only to be informed that I was mistakenly booked with the incorrect physician, forcing me to reschedule. The most recent aggravation involved being dispensed the wrong prescription medication. When I returned to rectify the error, staff claimed no doctor was available to authorize the change, despite it being my original order. They then directed me to collect the item from a pharmacy in South Petherton, which supposedly had extended hours. Upon arriving, I discovered they had no record of my prescription. This entire experience is completely ridiculous!

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GT

Gwen T. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional care from friendly medical professionals

Recently moved here and thoroughly delighted. The physicians are wonderful, and the entire team is exceptionally courteous and supportive.

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LD

Lynn D. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Smooth pharmacy service with caring staff

Obtaining recurring medication prescriptions is incredibly straightforward, and the delivery typically arrives by the following day. The medical professionals are genuinely pleasant. The administrative staff are extremely supportive and accommodating.

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VC

Vera C. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Fantastic care at meadows surgery for all patients

The Meadows Surgery provides top-notch care with outstanding staff and doctors. I have complete confidence in their medical expertise and would not seek treatment anywhere else when feeling unwell. Dr. Austin, in particular, was exceptional and highly professional.

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JW

Julia W. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Smooth and caring covid vaccine experience

I received my initial COVID-19 vaccine at this medical facility yesterday evening, and I'm thoroughly impressed by their exceptional organization, support, helpfulness, and smooth operation. EVERY single staff member - from the parking attendants and reception team to the nurses, doctors, and support personnel - were absolutely outstanding.

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JC

J C. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Shocking mistreatment leads to legal action

Utterly appalling. The treatment of my father was completely unacceptable. I could elaborate extensively on the details, but we've already initiated legal proceedings. Despite my father's passing, our family remains resolute and will not back down.

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LS

Liz S. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional healthcare with compassionate medical professionals

The medical staff and support personnel at this practice have consistently impressed me with their exceptional care and compassion. I cannot emphasize enough how outstanding they truly are.

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MM

Mark M. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible patient care nearly cost me my life

It seems patient care has completely deteriorated. After my heart surgery last August, I developed a heart infection this year and have been experiencing severe chest pains. It took 5 months to discover a serious infection, which led to a 6-week hospital stay. Aside from two compassionate nurses, the care was abysmal. Before traveling to Croatia, I was coughing up small amounts of blood, which didn't initially concern me. Now, I'm coughing up more. I requested a sample container and went to collect it, but they treated me like I was contagious - leaving the pot outside, making me wear a face mask, and acting as if I was a major health threat. When I called to follow up, they terrified me with their response. The entire experience has been appalling and has completely destroyed my trust in surgical procedures and hospital care.

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RL

Rebecca L. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Outstanding medical care with compassionate professionals

The Meadows Surgery is Outstanding, with an Exceptional Doctor and Welcoming Reception Team. Alice and Tracy are particularly noteworthy. The phlebotomists are superb, with Lydia standing out as truly remarkable - she instantly puts nervous patients like myself at ease and manages to draw blood perfectly almost every time. While I haven't personally interacted with the Nursing Staff, my children have found them satisfactory. The Nurse Practitioner appears somewhat traditional in approach. The Pharmacy is excellent, with Alison and Val providing top-notch service. Medical Secretary Lynne is also delightful during interactions. For anyone seeking a comprehensive, compassionate healthcare experience that caters to all ages and medical needs, The Meadows Surgery is genuinely impressive. They consistently demonstrate a genuine commitment to patient care and go above and beyond to provide support and assistance.

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DW

Debbie W. Google 9 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Amazing care from start to finish

The entire team, from front desk personnel to physicians and nursing staff, consistently displays warmth and genuine kindness. Their welcoming demeanor and cheerful attitudes are evident in every interaction. Despite potential time pressures, they never make patients feel hurried or unimportant. It's clear that providing compassionate care is their top priority. I cannot praise this medical practice highly enough - they truly excel in patient experience and professional excellence. Kudos to the entire wonderful team!

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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01460 52284
  • The Meadows Surgery Canal Way Ilminster Somerset TA19 9FE

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reflects a divided experience at the practice. Many patients commend the courtesy and compassionate approach of clinical and reception staff, noting their welcoming demeanor and professional expertise. Prescription services are praised for efficiency, with medication typically delivered promptly. Online consultation services have also received positive feedback for responsiveness.

However, significant operational challenges emerge across multiple reviews. Appointment booking presents persistent difficulties, with patients reporting incorrect physician assignments requiring rescheduling, extended waiting times to secure appointments, and barriers for elderly patients accessing the telephone booking system. Medication dispensing errors have occurred, and reception staff dismissiveness has been noted by several patients. The recent implementation of a triage system has generated particular concern, with patients reporting that non-clinical staff now conduct questioning before addressing medical needs, creating additional complexity when patients seek support.

Access barriers are highlighted as especially problematic for vulnerable populations, including elderly patients with hearing difficulties and those with dementia. Long waiting times beyond scheduled appointments and difficulty reaching staff for guidance compound these concerns. While some patients report confidence in medical expertise, the overall service experience has reportedly declined, with several noting a marked deterioration since previous operational approaches.

Appointment

42.86 %
Poor

Reception

48.57 %
Poor

Cleanliness

75.00 %
Great

Care

58.71 %
Average

Respect

51.43 %
Average

Seen on time

45.71 %
Poor
Filter

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