The Smithy Surgery

Reception team listened and got us seen quickly

This surgery has been wonderful. The clinical staff are very kind and take the time to listen carefully. The reception team is consistently helpful and professional, and they go out of their way to be friendly and supportive. They make a genuine effort to accommodate same-day appointments and deliver excellent care to their patients. I'm very satisfied with the service provided and grateful for all the support received. Thank you for looking after me and my family.

Rude staff and impossible appointment booking system

Throughout my decade as a patient at this practice, I have noticed a considerable deterioration in the quality of care provided, which has led me to conclude that I need to seek treatment elsewhere. During the past couple of years, I have experienced several interactions with staff members that I found to be discourteous and upsetting. The recent change to a new appointment system has made the process of booking consultations significantly more difficult and frustrating.

Terrible

Bad attitudes. Wait times for appointments using patchs is absurd but you get treated like vermin if you call instead of using the patchs system. GPs not got a clue what they're doing. Get lied to, constantly, about practically everything..... The level of 'care' in Tameside has been far worse than what I experienced in Manchester and that was already an incredibly low bar.

Polite staff who really listen to you

I have no complaints about this practice. The staff were courteous and considerate, and I appreciated the individualised approach they took 😌

Doctors who actually listen to you

Excellent medical professionals

Form submission lost after hour-long hold

I submitted a form regarding a skin concern on Friday and heard nothing back, so I rang the surgery. A junior staff member told me in a rather dismissive manner that I would receive a callback that same afternoon by 6.30pm. At 6.15 I called again and spoke with a more helpful staff member who informed me the callback wouldn't happen that day and would instead be on Monday. I contacted them again today and waited on hold for 55 minutes, only to be told once more that my form couldn't be located and they were unsure of its whereabouts, despite having sent me a confirmation of receipt. A staff member eventually located the issue and arranged for me to receive a call the following day. The entire experience—from submitting the form, receiving conflicting information, discovering the form had gone missing, and spending an hour on hold—has been deeply frustrating and falls well short of acceptable standards.

Responsive surgery with helpful administrative staff

One of the best medical practices in the local area, in my opinion. The team is very responsive to patient enquiries and demonstrates excellent clinical and administrative support. I would highly recommend this surgery.

Staff helped quickly with my letter request

Thank you so much to the clinical team for helping me obtain the letter I required, I really appreciate it 🩷

Struggling to get follow up care after moving

I've struggled to make progress with my follow-up appointments since relocating to this area. I have a significant medical device requiring ongoing monitoring, and despite making multiple attempts to contact the practice, I haven't received the attention I feel this requires.

Staff were helpful and friendly throughout

Having attended this practice for the past few years, I've consistently had positive experiences with the staff members here. Both my partner and I have visited on multiple occasions, and we've always found everyone to be welcoming and supportive.

Helpful staff who actually listen to concerns

Excellent practice. The clinician was always helpful. I felt like I was making progress after my appointment.

Reception staff weren't helpful this time

I have recently contacted the practice and visited in person, and on both occasions I found the reception staff to be unhelpful. The reception team at this surgery was previously excellent, but this is no longer the case. I would not recommend this practice to others.

Appointments run smoothly and efficiently

My visits to the practice are consistently positive.

Reception staff attitudes vary quite a bit

The reception team are generally very helpful when I call, with some staff members being particularly pleasant and friendly. However, there is one member of staff who can come across as rather abrupt and lacking in warmth during phone calls or in-person visits.

Staff took time to listen and care

Thank you to the team at this practice who consistently demonstrate excellence and professionalism. The clinician who saw my father today provided exceptional care, showing genuine kindness and compassion while dedicating considerable time and attention to his needs. The patients here are clearly well looked after and I have the highest regard for the staff. Thank you for everything you do.

Friendly staff made switching surgeries worthwhile

I relocated to this practice twelve months ago and deeply regret not making the change sooner. The team here is outstanding, demonstrating genuine compassion and attentiveness throughout my care.

Surgery's going downhill and it shows

I have concerns about the quality of care at this practice, as I feel standards appear to be declining.

Comfortable procedure with a relaxed atmosphere

I underwent a minor surgical procedure earlier today and found the experience to be remarkably straightforward and uncomplicated. I felt at ease throughout, was able to remain dressed, and genuinely valued the relaxed and lighthearted atmosphere that was maintained. I received appropriate medication for discomfort management along with documentation to support my recovery period, and I would have no hesitation about returning for a similar procedure in the future.

Friendly and helpful since the takeover

Excellent medical professionals, been with this practice since they took over the surgery approximately two decades ago. They are friendly, respectful and very helpful.

Doctors actually listen and take time

I have nothing but praise for the clinical staff at this practice. They are genuinely supportive and take time to address your concerns properly, unlike some previous experiences I've had elsewhere.