Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reflects a mixed experience with this practice, with significant challenges around appointment access contrasting with consistent praise for clinical care quality. Patients repeatedly report difficulties reaching the practice by phone, lengthy waits to secure appointments, and limited booking availability, with some describing the appointment system as outdated and ineffective. Reception responsiveness and phone system challenges emerge as persistent concerns, alongside delays in prescription services. However, when patients do access clinical care, they frequently commend the quality of treatment, describing clinicians and nursing staff as professional, caring, and thorough in their approach to health concerns.

The reception experience presents a notable divide in feedback. While some patients describe the team as courteous, helpful, and compassionate despite system constraints, others report unwelcoming conduct and poor communication responsiveness, particularly regarding email correspondence and appointment rescheduling. Communication gaps appear to extend beyond phone access, affecting continuity of care.

Recent feedback suggests ongoing appointment availability pressures remain the primary service challenge, with patients noting that slots fill rapidly even at opening times. Despite these access difficulties, many patients acknowledge the practice's clinical excellence and express appreciation for the care received once appointments are secured, with some recognising broader systemic pressures affecting GP practices across the healthcare system.

Appointment

38.92 %
Poor

Reception

52.33 %
Average

Cleanliness

75.00 %
Great

Care

72.18 %
Great

Respect

61.45 %
Average

Seen on time

45.67 %
Poor

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MC

Mary C. Google 6 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Receptionists really do their best here

The nursing staff are very pleasant and caring. The clinical practitioners seem to get things done by listening and taking things further when needed, and my healthcare provider is patient and helpful. Yes, I acknowledge it's hard to get an appointment but that is the case across the country. The reception team have a very very hard job and must require loads of patience. I have always found them doing their best to accommodate me. All in all a very good practice.

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GO

Gareth O. Google 7 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to get an appointment here

This practice has significant issues with appointment availability. Despite often seeing only a small number of patients in the waiting area, it remains extremely difficult to secure an appointment. The appointment scheduling system appears to require urgent attention and review by the practice management team.

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SD

Scott D. Google 7 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to book appointments at this surgery

This practice has been extremely difficult to access for appointments, with calls made at early hours rarely resulting in availability. The staffing appears insufficient for the patient volume, with most appointments conducted by nursing staff rather than GPs, which creates challenges given the high demand at this surgery.

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LD

Leigh D. Google 9 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to book an appointment here

This practice has significant issues with appointment availability. It is extremely difficult to secure a consultation with a doctor, raising questions about staffing levels. The practice appears unable to manage its current patient load effectively, yet continues to accept new registrations. I would recommend considering alternative healthcare providers.

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MM

Margus M. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Appointment slots always showing as full

Would give zero stars if possible as I find the service absolutely inadequate. No matter when I attempt to book, I'm told there are no available slots. It seems unclear how appointments can be fully booked at early morning times. I have been attempting to address my health concerns for three years, yet the approach taken involves running various tests that do not appear relevant to my issues. On multiple occasions, I have been assured that notes would be added to my records for future reference, but upon checking, these notes have not been documented. Despite receiving a referral from the hospital for a specific test, this has not been arranged. Overall, I feel the service has been unhelpful and frustrating.

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DM

Dawn M. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Reception ignored multiple email requests

I found the practice to be unhelpful when I needed to reschedule an appointment. I sent multiple emails explaining my communication needs and requesting confirmation of a new appointment time, but did not receive any response to my messages. Despite sending several follow-up emails, nobody from the practice acknowledged my correspondence or got back to me. This lack of communication left me feeling disappointed with the service I received.

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PH

Peter H. Google one year ago

Rating

Poor!

Getting help from this practice is difficult

Unfortunately, I have noticed a deterioration in the standard of care at this practice. Obtaining assistance when required has become increasingly challenging. The primary guidance offered tends to be directing patients to external services, which contributes to additional strain on emergency and urgent care facilities elsewhere in the healthcare system.

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MA

Mia A. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Couldn't get appointment when baby needed help

It is extremely difficult to obtain an appointment, particularly for very young children with ongoing health needs. The reception team's manner was perceived as unwelcoming and unhelpful, with conflicting guidance given regarding how to access care through different services. The overall experience of seeking help when needed was deeply unsatisfactory.

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CG

Chris G. Google one year ago

Rating

Average!

Appointment system makes booking nearly impossible

Accessing appointments at this practice proves to be quite challenging. The current booking system appears to have significant limitations and does not function effectively. In the modern era, it would be reasonable to expect the ability to contact the practice throughout the day and secure an appointment without difficulty. The appointment scheduling process seems outdated for the current time. One would think that modern technology could streamline this process more efficiently. Even when calling promptly at opening time, the available slots tend to be fully booked by the time the line is answered. This pattern occurs with frustrating regularity.

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SS

Sara S. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Early morning reception visits beat phone queues

I have been attending this practice for two decades. While obtaining a phone appointment can be challenging, alternative options such as the online consultation system and early morning reception visits at opening time are available. Although the booking process can occasionally feel frustrating, I am awarding five stars primarily due to the exceptional standard of care provided, the responsiveness of the team, and the accessibility of out-of-hours services. The reception staff consistently demonstrate helpfulness and compassion, showing understanding of the limitations within their scheduling system. The nursing team are approachable and consistently make patients feel valued and comfortable. I have consulted with multiple clinicians, including those working on an out-of-hours basis, and all have demonstrated excellence in their approach, ensuring I felt listened to and never hurried. The overall care and attention to detail is commendable, and recognising the broader pressures facing medical practices, I do not consider appointment availability difficulties to be a reflection of this particular surgery's performance, as this remains a widespread challenge across the healthcare system.

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AC

Anne C. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Great!

Friendly reception made booking straightforward

Not my usual healthcare provider, though the one I saw was excellent.

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L2

Lag 2. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Prescription delays left me without medication

The prescription service was disappointing, as there were significant delays in receiving medications, resulting in periods without necessary treatment. This gap in continuity made it difficult to understand the reasoning behind the delays and their impact on ongoing care.

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HH

Hannah H. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Practice stepped in when I needed urgent help

An outstanding practice that I have no complaints about. I recently needed urgent temporary care following a medical procedure, and when my previous provider was unable to accommodate me, this practice welcomed me without delay. The team members deserve far more recognition for their dedicated efforts in delivering excellent care and making sure everyone receives the support they need. I've been through a challenging period recently, and this group has provided wonderful assistance with my treatment and has been responsive to all my concerns. They have given me renewed confidence and I will always be deeply thankful for their support. I would strongly encourage others to consider this practice.

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SH

Sheila H. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Reception staff were courteous and genuinely helpful

The initial point of contact at the practice, whether by phone or at reception, is consistently courteous and helpful. For minor health concerns, the nursing team provides excellent care and support. The doctors at the practice are unfailingly caring and attentive, with a thorough approach to investigating and addressing health issues. Overall, this is a well-run practice and we feel fortunate to be part of it.

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GL

Gemma L. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly staff and quick responses despite busy times

The reception team are very welcoming and consistently prompt with their responses, and the clinical staff provide excellent care. There can be challenges reaching the practice during peak periods, though the quality of service makes it worthwhile.

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MP

Michael P. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Students explained things really clearly

The medical students provided excellent clarity in their explanations, and the healthcare professional I saw was outstanding in their approach.

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HS

Hollie’s S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Booking system makes getting appointments impossible

The appointment booking system is frustrating and difficult to use when trying to secure a consultation.

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DW

Debra W. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Receptionists really do make the difference here

Absolutely wonderful support from all at the practice. The clinical staff have been very supportive throughout my time as a patient. The reception team are very knowledgeable and quick to find answers if they're unsure. They're kind, patient and supportive in easing any concerns I've raised. I've had a range of health matters addressed and all have been dealt with quickly and professionally. Thank you to everyone at the practice. Well done for continuing to provide care day in and day out during these challenging times. X

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GM

Garry M. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Practice struggles with mental health support

The practice has not been particularly helpful for mental health-related concerns at the moment.

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MM

Maria M. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Wrong practice review posted here

I apologize for posting this on the incorrect practice's page.

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About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01642 552700
  • Abbey Health Centre Finchale Avenue Billingham Cleveland TS23 2DG

Patient Experience Summary

Feedback reflects a mixed experience with this practice, with significant challenges around appointment access contrasting with consistent praise for clinical care quality. Patients repeatedly report difficulties reaching the practice by phone, lengthy waits to secure appointments, and limited booking availability, with some describing the appointment system as outdated and ineffective. Reception responsiveness and phone system challenges emerge as persistent concerns, alongside delays in prescription services. However, when patients do access clinical care, they frequently commend the quality of treatment, describing clinicians and nursing staff as professional, caring, and thorough in their approach to health concerns.

The reception experience presents a notable divide in feedback. While some patients describe the team as courteous, helpful, and compassionate despite system constraints, others report unwelcoming conduct and poor communication responsiveness, particularly regarding email correspondence and appointment rescheduling. Communication gaps appear to extend beyond phone access, affecting continuity of care.

Recent feedback suggests ongoing appointment availability pressures remain the primary service challenge, with patients noting that slots fill rapidly even at opening times. Despite these access difficulties, many patients acknowledge the practice's clinical excellence and express appreciation for the care received once appointments are secured, with some recognising broader systemic pressures affecting GP practices across the healthcare system.

Appointment

38.92 %
Poor

Reception

52.33 %
Average

Cleanliness

75.00 %
Great

Care

72.18 %
Great

Respect

61.45 %
Average

Seen on time

45.67 %
Poor
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