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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RT

Rachel T. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Receptionists who actually listen and care

Outstanding experience! The reception team are welcoming, attentive and take initiative. The clinical staff are well-informed and genuinely committed to achieving the best long-term results for their patients, actively monitoring and following up on any referrals made. I felt the entire practice was considerate and understanding of our family's particular circumstances and health requirements. Thank you.

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BB

Bảo B. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to get through on the phone lines

I attempted to contact the practice this morning starting at 8AM, but encountered a continuously engaged telephone line. After approximately 20 minutes of attempting to reach someone, I was placed in a queue and waited until 9:14 before speaking with reception staff. I was calling to arrange an appointment regarding abdominal discomfort during my pregnancy. Unfortunately, I was informed that no appointments were available for that day and was advised to call back the following morning at 8AM. This mirrors an experience from the previous day when I called at 2PM and was similarly told that appointments could only be booked during the 8AM time slot. It appears that the practice only permits appointment bookings during this specific early morning window, making it extremely challenging to secure an appointment outside of this narrow timeframe.

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VH

Valerie H. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Team really listened and took time

I cannot speak highly enough of this practice. The commitment and professionalism demonstrated by the entire clinical team is truly exceptional. They are deserving of considerable appreciation 🙌

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JH

Jack H. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible phone lines and six week waits

If this represents the direction of healthcare provision, there are legitimate concerns to consider. A considerable wait of six weeks was needed to secure an appointment regarding skin concerns and finger swelling. The approach appeared focused on symptom management through medication rather than investigating underlying causes or implementing preventative measures. The appointment booking process presented significant challenges. Calling the practice from early morning proved difficult, with repeated attempts necessary before reaching someone. Once connected, callers were placed in substantial queues, only to be informed that no appointments were available. This cycle of calling and being turned away repeated the following day. While this may reflect common practice across various surgeries, the acceptability of such a system remains questionable. A blood test was arranged through the local hospital, with results communicated via text message stating findings were within normal parameters. This notification arrived without accompanying phone contact, written correspondence, or any discussion of the implications. The result did not address the ongoing health concerns or provide clarity regarding the presenting symptoms. Given that National Insurance contributions fund this service, the perceived lack of engagement and practical support raises questions about the value and quality of care being delivered.

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NN

Nuwan N. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to book an appointment here

It is extremely difficult to obtain an appointment at this practice.

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IH

Ian H. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Couldn't get through on the phone

Attempting to reach the practice by telephone proves to be an ongoing frustration, as the line appears to be perpetually busy.

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AJ

Archie J. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Couldn't get through on the phone

Absolutely terrible experience at this practice in Durham!!! It would be receiving 0 stars if that were possible. I could detail numerous issues but frankly don't have the time to list them all.

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PJ

Patricia J. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Promised callback never came through

I had previously held this practice in good regard until I required a consultation. I was informed that a clinician would contact me, but despite waiting throughout the weekend, no call came through. When I finally did hear back, the interaction felt dismissive, and I was told to expect another call without being offered an appointment. I felt significantly let down by this experience.

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EF

Emma F. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Reception staff lack patience with vulnerable patients

1 star because there isn't a 0. All the clinical staff are absolutely brilliant. The problem is the reception team. I have witnessed and encountered many problems with them over an extended period. I observed a receptionist who appeared very rude and spoke loudly to an older patient. She seemed to lack patience with him, and the interaction was unpleasant to witness. Every time I've called for an appointment, the reception attitude has been disappointing. As for a recent visit, my partner attended with our very unwell young infant and was told to sit and wait. They waited considerably longer than seemed reasonable. Young children and infants should be prioritised as a matter of course. When attending appointments, it's always the same people being seen, which suggests the booking system could be improved. Allowing a very young infant to wait for such an extended period seems entirely inappropriate.

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DP

David P. Google 7 years ago

Rating

Great!

Staff were polite and welcoming throughout

The team demonstrated courtesy and warmth throughout my visit.

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KN

Kazzyd63 N. Google 9 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff even when surgery's busy

Wonderful practice. The team members are welcoming and easy to talk to, even during their most hectic periods. X

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RB

Robin B. Google 10 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Always felt listened to and valued

I have always been treated well at this practice.

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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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