Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reflects a mixed experience at the practice, with clinical staff consistently praised for their expertise, professionalism, and courteous approach. Patients report positive experiences with continuity of care and chronic condition management, and many commend the welcoming nature of the team. However, significant concerns emerge around appointment access, with multiple patients describing difficulty obtaining appointments, particularly through the telephone booking system which frequently experiences busy lines and extended queues. Lengthy waiting times for appointments, sometimes extending weeks, and restrictive booking windows have created frustration for patients seeking timely care.

Reception experience presents a notable area of concern, with some patients reporting unhelpful attitudes and delayed responsiveness to urgent requests. Communication gaps have also been identified, including instances where test results were communicated without adequate explanation or follow-up discussion. Administrative delays affecting prescription processing and appointment scheduling have impacted patient care, particularly for those with urgent or time-sensitive needs. Several patients noted that the booking system appears inadequate, with limited alternative methods available and concerns about whether urgent cases receive appropriate prioritisation.

While some patients acknowledge external pressures affecting service delivery, others question whether access difficulties reflect systemic constraints or service design issues. The practice environment and clinical care quality remain valued by many, yet the barriers to accessing appointments and responsive communication represent persistent challenges affecting patient satisfaction.

Appointment

42.50 %
Poor

Reception

48.75 %
Poor

Cleanliness

72.50 %
Great

Care

65.42 %
Great

Respect

55.83 %
Average

Seen on time

45.00 %
Poor

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PH

Peter H. Google 3 months ago

Rating

Great!

Clean surgery with friendly staff throughout

The team here were welcoming and approachable, the premises were well-maintained, and the overall experience met expectations for what a medical practice should provide.

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NN

Nellyson N. Google 6 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Computer system makes same day appointments frustrating

The appointment booking system is frustrating, particularly for same-day requests. Having an automated system assess urgency feels inadequate and unhelpful. I am considering switching to a different practice.

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T(

Tfitzp (. Google 7 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Long wait times for routine appointments here

The surgery feels inadequate when obtaining a routine appointment requires such an extended waiting period, particularly after an initial appointment was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

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GG

Guy G. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Practice removed me without warning during surgery

I had a very negative experience with this practice. I was removed from their patient list after many years without being notified, and this occurred during a period when I was undergoing significant medical treatment. I am pursuing this matter further. I would strongly advise others to consider alternative healthcare providers.

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KC

Kevin C. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful reception staff made booking easy

Consistently supportive and accommodating.

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CT

Chloe T. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Reception dismissive about urgent prescription delays

I initially had a positive impression of this surgery, however my experience has not matched that expectation. During my pregnancy, I have required multiple prescription renewals. I attended an appointment four days prior and was informed that the prescription had still not been processed. Three days ago, I had a hospital visit where I received important medical news requiring urgent medication and insulin treatment. The hospital sent a request to the surgery to authorise a prescription so I could obtain the necessary supplies. I visited the surgery the same day, but nothing was done. The following day, there was still no progress. When I called today to follow up, I was met with an unhelpful response from the receptionist. I explained that this had been flagged as urgent and that my supplies for managing my condition were running critically low, with only two items remaining. I was told that other patients are also waiting and that I simply need to be patient. While I do understand that the surgery manages many patients and I appreciate the pressures involved, I remain concerned about whether it is appropriate for emergency medication to take several days to process. In my view, this should not be the case.

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AA

Adam A. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Always able to get an appointment when needed

I consistently manage to secure appointments and the practice effectively addresses my healthcare requirements. I've found the clinical team to be excellent throughout my time as a patient. I would definitely recommend this practice to others.

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DS

David S. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Refused service due to guide dog assistance

I attended my appointment for the second occasion and encountered a refusal of service related to my assistance dog. As a healthcare professional, I would expect better understanding of the legal rights surrounding assistance animals. The staff involved appear to lack adequate training on this matter. I was also disappointed by the appointment running significantly behind schedule, which resulted in a considerable wait time. This experience has left me quite frustrated.

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AS

Adrian S. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Referral form delayed over a week

I sustained a significant knee injury and was advised to attend the emergency department, where my condition was confirmed. I required a private referral form to proceed with private insurance coverage for diagnostic imaging and surgical intervention. Despite waiting over a week, the practice has not completed the necessary documentation. I find this frustrating, as it appears to be a straightforward administrative task that should not take considerable time. I felt that the practice could have demonstrated greater understanding of my situation and the urgency of my needs.

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GC

Gary C. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Long wait despite being told I was next

The waiting time was disappointing, with a significant delay beyond the scheduled appointment slot. Despite being informed that I would be seen next, the wait extended considerably longer than expected. This delay had a knock-on effect, as I had a subsequent appointment booked to follow, which I was unable to attend as planned, and rescheduling would mean facing further delays.

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AX

Aj X. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Wrong body part requested for scan

I would rate this practice far lower if possible. I found my experience deeply unsatisfactory. My primary concern is that a scan request appeared to contain an error regarding which area of the body required imaging, which raised significant worries about the standard of care. I also experienced a situation where a health concern was initially closed without further action, only for a subsequent review by another healthcare professional to determine that surgical intervention was actually needed. This discrepancy was troubling. As someone with training in healthcare, I found myself questioning the quality of clinical decision-making at this practice. The experience fell well short of acceptable standards. I do not believe this reflects funding constraints or resource limitations, but rather a fundamental gap in how patient needs are understood and addressed.

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MC

Michael C. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Reception team made booking straightforward and easy

My recent visit to the surgery was excellent and both the clinical staff and reception team were brilliant.

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DM

Debra M. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Average!

Friendly reception and helpful nursing team

The reception team and nursing staff are both excellent and provide good service.

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KW

Karen W. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff who actually listen to you

Always welcoming and supportive, I find it difficult to comprehend unfavourable feedback. The clinical team here are among the finest I've encountered.

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EM

Elena M. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to reach for appointment booking

It is extremely difficult to obtain an appointment at this practice. The telephone triage system appears to be inadequate - I waited an extended period on hold only to have the call disconnect without resolution. There do not appear to be alternative methods available for booking appointments. The overall experience of trying to access care feels frustratingly poor and falls well short of what patients should reasonably expect.

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CC

Cookie C. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Welcoming practice for the whole family

Wonderful experience for everyone in our household!

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AA

Alexandriaaa A. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Inconsistent care and frustrating appointment cancellations

My experience at this practice has been inconsistent. In 2018, I attended an appointment where I described my symptoms. The clinician's response felt dismissive and unhelpful—I was given a diagnosis but when I enquired about treatment options, I was simply advised to take over-the-counter pain relief and discharged without further support. In 2019, following a serious health event, the practice demonstrated much better care and attentiveness. However, there were some administrative issues with medication management during my treatment adjustment period. On several occasions, I had to challenge the pharmacy and reception staff regarding dosage quantities that seemed incorrect for my reduced requirements. These discrepancies were never resolved, and I ultimately had to discard surplus medication that I no longer needed. By 2022, the standard of service appeared to decline again. When I requested a blood test, I was informed of a significant delay due to resource constraints. After the waiting period, I struggled to secure an appointment for several months. When I asked what steps I should take in the interim, the guidance offered felt vague and insufficient given my health concerns. I was seeking investigation into potential nutritional deficiencies and allergies. Once I finally managed to book my blood test, I received notification on the day that the appointment had been cancelled. Since then, I have been unable to access the care I need.

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GA

Gary A. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful support for managing my condition

Outstanding care for managing chronic conditions

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RT

Robert T. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Average!

Underfunded practice struggling with systemic pressures

An otherwise good GP practice that has been negatively affected by funding constraints and systemic pressures beyond the practice's control.

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LK

Lenuka K. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Phone queue system left me frustrated

I attempted to schedule an appointment by calling the practice. During my previous visit, I was advised to arrange an appointment within the following week. When I called at what I believed was an appropriate time, I found myself in a queue. I was hopeful about securing an appointment, but the call was unexpectedly disconnected. Upon calling back, I was informed that my position in the queue had changed significantly, and no appointment slot was available. I felt that the practice did not fully grasp the urgency of my situation, and I was concerned that the delay in receiving care may have allowed my health concerns to progress.

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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 0191 3780651
  • Adrian Clark House Sawmills Lne, Meadowfield Durham County Durham DH7 8NH

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reflects a mixed experience at the practice, with clinical staff consistently praised for their expertise, professionalism, and courteous approach. Patients report positive experiences with continuity of care and chronic condition management, and many commend the welcoming nature of the team. However, significant concerns emerge around appointment access, with multiple patients describing difficulty obtaining appointments, particularly through the telephone booking system which frequently experiences busy lines and extended queues. Lengthy waiting times for appointments, sometimes extending weeks, and restrictive booking windows have created frustration for patients seeking timely care.

Reception experience presents a notable area of concern, with some patients reporting unhelpful attitudes and delayed responsiveness to urgent requests. Communication gaps have also been identified, including instances where test results were communicated without adequate explanation or follow-up discussion. Administrative delays affecting prescription processing and appointment scheduling have impacted patient care, particularly for those with urgent or time-sensitive needs. Several patients noted that the booking system appears inadequate, with limited alternative methods available and concerns about whether urgent cases receive appropriate prioritisation.

While some patients acknowledge external pressures affecting service delivery, others question whether access difficulties reflect systemic constraints or service design issues. The practice environment and clinical care quality remain valued by many, yet the barriers to accessing appointments and responsive communication represent persistent challenges affecting patient satisfaction.

Appointment

42.50 %
Poor

Reception

48.75 %
Poor

Cleanliness

72.50 %
Great

Care

65.42 %
Great

Respect

55.83 %
Average

Seen on time

45.00 %
Poor
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