Patient Experience Summary

Appointment access remains the most significant challenge reported across feedback, with patients describing lengthy waits, difficulty reaching the practice by phone, and complex online booking systems that frequently result in rejection or capacity messages. Many patients report being redirected to alternative services such as 111 or walk-in centres rather than securing GP appointments, creating frustration when seeking routine or urgent care. Reception experience is mixed, with some patients noting dismissive or discourteous interactions, though others have praised individual staff members for their professionalism and helpfulness.

When consultations do occur, clinical care quality receives more positive recognition, with patients appreciating compassionate doctors who provide clear explanations and thorough examinations. However, concerns emerge around communication failures, including missed test results, incomplete medical notes, and inconsistent follow-up. Administrative processes show recurring problems such as disorganised record-keeping, delayed referrals, and unclear information about available services, contributing to patient frustration and loss of confidence in the practice.

The practice appears to operate under significant capacity constraints, with patients noting deterioration in service standards over recent years. While some patients report positive individual experiences with punctual appointments and responsive care, the predominant pattern reflects systemic challenges in appointment availability, booking processes, and organisational efficiency that affect patient access to healthcare.

Appointment

15.20 %
Bad

Reception

22.30 %
Bad

Cleanliness

62.40 %
Average

Care

35.60 %
Poor

Respect

24.15 %
Bad

Seen on time

32.50 %
Bad

Filter

AS

Anthony S. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible first visit with dismissive doctor

Completely ignored my concerns and didn't take my medical needs seriously, so I've switched to a new healthcare provider.

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JS

Jag S. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating and Unhelpful Doctors Surgery

Scheduling a consultation for persistent medical concerns seems futile, as you're consistently redirected to alternative healthcare providers. Attempting to voice frustration only results in being shuttled to yet another medical practice.

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A

Anonymouse one year ago

Rating

Bad!

  • Appointment

    Bad
  • Reception

    Bad
  • Cleanliness

    Average
  • Care

    Bad
  • Respect

    Bad
  • Seen On Time

    Bad

Horrendous experience, run for the benefit of receptionists

It is almost impossible to get an appointment with Thorndike medical centre. They have instructions on their website stating you can make an appointment online, by phone or by visiting the surgery. If you telephone, you are told you can only make the appointment online, so that the 'triage team' can book you in. I filled in the lengthy, mostly irrelevant form. I then received a text message telling me that they have reached capacity - but no way of how I could make an appointment. I have written to complain and asked about the medical qualifications of the triage team, the misleading information on the website and the denial of NHS treatment. I expect zero response, because it is a horrendous practice run purely for the convenience of its receptionists.

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RA

Robert A. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Unnecessary Test After Hysterectomy Frustrates Patient

My spouse received an invitation for a cervical screening and was urged to schedule a prompt appointment. It's baffling that this medical practice could somehow manage to be even more disorganized, especially considering my wife underwent a hysterectomy over a decade ago, rendering such a test completely unnecessary. Despite this administrative blunder, I must commend the reception staff, who are truly outstanding and rarely receive the recognition they merit. We find ourselves longing for the previous medical team and their more efficient protocols.

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JK

Jane K. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick and Helpful Prescription Service

What a fantastic medical practice! I requested a prescription renewal yesterday morning and inquired about expediting it since I'm traveling on Friday. Today, I received a call informing me that my prescription is ready at bod pharmacy. Having resided in Sittingbourne for seven years, I've encountered subpar medical facilities, but this surgery is exceptional - reminiscent of healthcare's golden era. My sincere gratitude to the entire staff for their outstanding service and dedication.

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CO

Charlotte O. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to Get Any Help at This Surgery

I am absolutely fed up with this medical practice after being a patient for four years, and getting assistance seems completely unattainable. Previously, I experienced ear issues and was unable to secure a doctor's appointment. Ultimately, I was forced to seek private medical care, which came with a significant financial burden. Not a single communication was received from the physician, demonstrating their total lack of concern. As a result, I cannot bring myself to award them any rating whatsoever.

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DH

Dave H. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick and caring visit at Thorndike Partnership

Exceptional care from the initial scheduling call through to the conclusion of my medical consultation. The physician who attended to me was incredibly compassionate, attentively heard my concerns, precisely prescribed the appropriate treatment, and demonstrated remarkable professionalism and empathy throughout our interaction. I wholeheartedly endorse The Thorndike Partnership and extend my sincere gratitude for their outstanding service.

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PW

Penge W. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst flight ever on a stormy night

Utterly terrible. Completely and entirely disappointing. A total waste of time and resources that fails on every conceivable level. Cannot recommend under any circumstances. An experience so poor it defies description.

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AA

Angelinsatin A. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Ignored Again at This Frustrating Clinic

Once more, I've been disregarded and let down by this medical facility. They've provided no relief for my arthritis pain and offered zero assistance with my sleep issues. I was supposed to schedule an appointment but never did, and I'm absolutely done with this place.

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AZ

Andra Z. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Denied Care with Painful Ear Condition

Despite being a registered patient and currently dealing with hearing loss and a potential ear infection, this medical practice has refused me an appointment due to being fully booked. Furthermore, when I initially registered with them some years back, they misplaced my registration documents, forcing me to re-register after realizing no confirmation had been sent. Their administrative processes are remarkably disorganized. Thorndike, by turning away patients who need medical care, you should consider either expanding your capacity or redirecting patients to alternative healthcare providers.

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MB

Matthew B. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to See a Doctor Anywhere

Securing a general practitioner appointment is completely unfeasible. The healthcare service appears to be completely non-functional.

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LM

L. M. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Smooth Check-in and Caring Doctor Visit

Fantastic initial visit. Immaculately maintained premises, straightforward and precise check-in guidance, welcoming front desk personnel. Appointment commenced precisely as scheduled. Outstanding care from medical professional and support staff - genuinely warm, comforting, and attentive. They thoroughly addressed every single one of my concerns. Entirely positive, calming encounter.

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HG

Heron G. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating phone call with NHS clinician

If medical advice is needed, I'm available to share my experience. I've undergone remote medical discussions and interactions with healthcare professionals. The National Health Service... certainly not living up to its legendary reputation.

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NT

Nik T. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating doctors and confusing phone calls

Getting an appointment at this practice is a nightmare, with their online booking system being a real struggle. The constant rotation of doctors makes it challenging to see a consistent healthcare provider. Communication is frequently problematic, with staff often hard to understand on the phone. I've experienced a doctor who was incredibly sarcastic and unprofessional, coughing continuously during our call. Other physicians have been brusque and inconsistent, with contradictory advice from different staff members. The final straw was being informed about sensitive cancer test results by a receptionist, which felt completely inappropriate. I'm now extremely hesitant to contact the surgery and am seriously considering changing practices or seeking private healthcare. While some of the nursing staff are genuinely pleasant, the doctors are overwhelmingly disappointing - more misses than hits. The overall experience leaves me feeling frustrated and let down by their standard of care.

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JS

Jacqueline S. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Blood Test Nightmare After 10 Years

There's absolutely no reason this establishment should continue operating—it's terrible. I've been attempting for five weeks to arrange a blood draw for my elderly, disabled mother who is 94 years old, but without any success. I myself haven't been able to schedule an appointment in nearly a decade, which is completely unacceptable.

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MJ

Mark J. Google one year ago

Rating

Poor!

Surgery's Frustrating Medical Record Delay

I recently relocated from Thorndike to the Herne Bay medical practice, and recently encountered an issue where they did not provide essential medical records for a life insurance application, resulting in Aviva terminating the case. I understand Thorndike is experiencing significant operational pressures, but this appears to be a simple administrative error that should have been easily resolved. Throughout my time with this practice, I've encountered multiple similar administrative lapses. Although I'm not fond of making complaints, I believe this situation requires attention. The predominantly negative feedback seems to indicate that the practice's management needs to improve their performance, even considering the challenging current healthcare environment.

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MK

Mandy K. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Endless Loops of Healthcare Runaround

Navigating this healthcare service has been incredibly frustrating. I sought help from a pharmacist about my health issue, only to be directed to get a prescription. After submitting an E-Consult, I received a generic response to call 111 or visit a pharmacist. When I contacted the surgery to question the 111 referral, since I'd already consulted a pharmacist, they insisted I call 111 who would then refer me back to them - a needlessly complicated process. Calling 111, I repeated the same information and was told to contact the GP in the morning. My morning call resulted in being asked to complete yet another E-Consult. In total, this process involved 3 E-Consults, 2 surgery phone calls, interactions with a pharmacist and 111, all spanning over 3 days for a straightforward medical concern. While my condition isn't critical, it still requires treatment. The entire experience has been a complete waste of time and resources. UPDATE: On day 4, I'm still being redirected to a pharmacist or 111 - both of which I've already consulted. Absolute chaos.

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FH

Fulke H. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst Appointment Process Ever

Completely unbearable. You're forced to navigate through 50 interrogative hurdles before attempting to schedule an appointment. Even then, securing a slot is virtually impossible. Their online triage process is utterly absurd The form is a complete farce - steer clear Let me be crystal clear: delete my information This experience is nothing but pure frustration. I'm taking my business elsewhere.

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MM

M.ar.k M. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible GP Practice with Zero Care

I can't even assign the lowest possible rating to this pathetic excuse for a GP Partnership, as they pompously style themselves these days. In the past, a Doctor was a true community pillar, but that concept is long dead, and this revolting excuse for a Practice desperately needs to be shut down. The Practice Manager is absolutely terrible, clearly more concerned with her prized felines than actual patient care, so don't expect an ounce of compassion. Dr. K and his colleagues are utterly incompetent. Lazy, willfully negligent, and completely indifferent. I think you understand exactly what I mean.

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CC

Carl C. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Impossible to Get an Appointment with This GP

Throughout my numerous relocations, I've been associated with various general practitioners. However, this particular practice represents the most abysmal healthcare experience I've encountered. For almost twelve months, not a single member of my family has successfully secured a medical appointment, and that includes my young four-year-old child. Their telephone system's default response is to redirect patients to dial 111 or seek out walk-in clinics instead of providing actual medical care. If a medical practice is incapable of adequately serving patients, they should refrain from accepting new individuals to their roster. Their approach is nothing short of disgraceful.

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About the GP

  • Verified GP
  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01634 817217
  • Thorndike Medical Centre Longley Road Rochester Kent ME1 2TH

Patient Experience Summary

Appointment access remains the most significant challenge reported across feedback, with patients describing lengthy waits, difficulty reaching the practice by phone, and complex online booking systems that frequently result in rejection or capacity messages. Many patients report being redirected to alternative services such as 111 or walk-in centres rather than securing GP appointments, creating frustration when seeking routine or urgent care. Reception experience is mixed, with some patients noting dismissive or discourteous interactions, though others have praised individual staff members for their professionalism and helpfulness.

When consultations do occur, clinical care quality receives more positive recognition, with patients appreciating compassionate doctors who provide clear explanations and thorough examinations. However, concerns emerge around communication failures, including missed test results, incomplete medical notes, and inconsistent follow-up. Administrative processes show recurring problems such as disorganised record-keeping, delayed referrals, and unclear information about available services, contributing to patient frustration and loss of confidence in the practice.

The practice appears to operate under significant capacity constraints, with patients noting deterioration in service standards over recent years. While some patients report positive individual experiences with punctual appointments and responsive care, the predominant pattern reflects systemic challenges in appointment availability, booking processes, and organisational efficiency that affect patient access to healthcare.

Appointment

15.20 %
Bad

Reception

22.30 %
Bad

Cleanliness

62.40 %
Average

Care

35.60 %
Poor

Respect

24.15 %
Bad

Seen on time

32.50 %
Bad
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