Patient feedback reflects a mixed experience with significant operational challenges alongside pockets of excellent clinical care. Access to the practice remains a persistent concern, with patients reporting substantial difficulties reaching the surgery by phone, experiencing long hold times, call disconnections, and problems securing appointments. Reception experience is inconsistent, with some patients describing welcoming and compassionate staff while others encountered rudeness and dismissive attitudes. When patients do connect with clinical staff, many report positive experiences characterised by professional expertise, attentiveness, and genuine care.
The most frequently cited frustration involves appointment availability and the booking process, with patients describing near-impossible phone access and extended waiting times for consultations. Several patients noted that the shift toward telephone-only consultations has created barriers to care. Communication barriers extend beyond phone systems to include unresponsive follow-up and delayed responses to requests for medical certificates and prescriptions.
Conversely, patients who successfully accessed care consistently praised the clinical competence and compassionate approach of individual clinicians and nursing staff. Long-term patients reported continuity of care and professional treatment, while new patients highlighted smooth onboarding experiences. The practice environment itself receives positive mention for being welcoming and well-maintained. These contrasting experiences suggest that while clinical delivery and individual staff interactions are often of high quality, systemic issues around access, staffing capacity, and communication infrastructure significantly impact overall patient satisfaction.
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Reception
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Seen on time
Respond to patient reviews
Monitor satisfaction trends
Generate CQC evidence reports
Claim & Manage ProfileShows how often this practice responds to patient reviews and feedback.
Patient feedback reflects a mixed experience with significant operational challenges alongside pockets of excellent clinical care. Access to the practice remains a persistent concern, with patients reporting substantial difficulties reaching the surgery by phone, experiencing long hold times, call disconnections, and problems securing appointments. Reception experience is inconsistent, with some patients describing welcoming and compassionate staff while others encountered rudeness and dismissive attitudes. When patients do connect with clinical staff, many report positive experiences characterised by professional expertise, attentiveness, and genuine care.
The most frequently cited frustration involves appointment availability and the booking process, with patients describing near-impossible phone access and extended waiting times for consultations. Several patients noted that the shift toward telephone-only consultations has created barriers to care. Communication barriers extend beyond phone systems to include unresponsive follow-up and delayed responses to requests for medical certificates and prescriptions.
Conversely, patients who successfully accessed care consistently praised the clinical competence and compassionate approach of individual clinicians and nursing staff. Long-term patients reported continuity of care and professional treatment, while new patients highlighted smooth onboarding experiences. The practice environment itself receives positive mention for being welcoming and well-maintained. These contrasting experiences suggest that while clinical delivery and individual staff interactions are often of high quality, systemic issues around access, staffing capacity, and communication infrastructure significantly impact overall patient satisfaction.
Appointment
Reception
Cleanliness
Care
Respect
Seen on time
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John C.
9 months ago
Excellent!
Trusted Doctors for Three Decades
Throughout my three-decade association with this medical practice, I've consistently experienced timely and skilled assistance whenever needed. Their staff demonstrates a highly professional demeanor and approach, always treating patients with genuine consideration and care.
Anonymouse 10 months ago
Poor!
Appointment
BadReception
PoorCleanliness
AverageCare
BadRespect
BadSeen On Time
AverageAvoid at all costs
‘Dreadful. Prescribed medicine containing substance to which I am allergic [anphylaxis not intolerance]. Changed asthma inhaler, increasing dosage by one thousand per cent, for no reason with serious side effects. Refused review of same. Left me without inhalers twice, once for over a month, once for over three months. Unable to get appointments. Refused referral to asthma clinic for testing. FeNO and spriometry not available at surgery. When I moved to the area post breast cancer operation sent me to standard three yearly mammogram service instead of to hospital for post-op monitoring. Refused to give RSV vaccination despite NHS guidelines re: asthma/breathing problems. GO ELSEWHERE IF YOU CAN.’
Dr A.
one year ago
Excellent!
Dr Philip's Compassionate Care Helped Us Both
I recently visited Dr. Philip for a joint medical consultation with my son, and I was thoroughly impressed by her exceptional approach. Her demeanor was incredibly compassionate and supportive, and she demonstrated remarkable attentiveness throughout our appointment. Dr. Philip took the time to carefully listen to every concern we raised and provided thoughtful, comprehensive responses. Her medical management was meticulous, and she was clearly committed to delivering the highest standard of patient care. I am wholeheartedly grateful and would enthusiastically recommend her to anyone seeking a truly outstanding healthcare professional.
Claragh B.
one year ago
Excellent!
Always Caring for My Family at Topsham Surgery
I've been a patient at Topsham surgery for a couple of years now. They have been absolutely impeccable, supporting me throughout my pregnancy and consistently providing care for both of my children. Dr Acklom is truly exceptional in her medical practice and has been incredibly helpful to our family. The on-call physicians and nursing staff are equally wonderful.
Toni M.
one year ago
Bad!
Terrible care left my parents suffering
My mother endures unrelenting pain, and both my parents suffer from chronic discomfort. She is officially registered as disabled, with my father serving as her primary caregiver. Despite multiple attempts, we've only managed to receive messages from Dr. Britain, with no actual call backs. His conduct seems to border on medical negligence and a clear disregard for patient care. I strongly advise against choosing this medical practice. You'll find yourself trapped in an endless cycle of waiting, with communications routinely ignored and left unaddressed.
Joanna S.
one year ago
Bad!
Waited 3 Weeks, No Help at 5:30
Attempted to use the online service to request a doctor's consultation due to my pain, avoiding emergency room visits. Three weeks have passed, and I'm still waiting. My hand is now swelling, so I called, only to be informed they can't help because the website is down at 5:30 PM. I was advised to call 111 instead. I'm utterly frustrated by the complete lack of compassion and support. These doctors seem more interested in collecting fees than providing care, and they're quick to abandon their responsibilities. As someone with disabilities using a wheelchair, I find this situation incredibly challenging. It's high time the Care Quality Commission takes action and addresses these systemic failures.
Kate L.
one year ago
Excellent!
Quick Care When I Needed It Most
I just signed up with this healthcare provider, and they have been exceptional. They offer immediate scheduling, guiding me through a critical health challenge with remarkable expertise and compassion. Their staff consistently demonstrates warmth and genuine care. I cannot speak highly enough about their service.
Andy O.
one year ago
Poor!
Frustrating call with unhelpful receptionist
Attempted to schedule a phone consultation with a doctor, but the staff abruptly ended the call without verifying my contact details. Their behavior was discourteous and completely unprofessional.
Jodie B.
one year ago
Excellent!
Maureen's Kindness Made My Day
Maureen, who handles prescription inquiries, stands out as the most compassionate, caring, and supportive healthcare representative I've ever had the pleasure of interacting with. She truly embodies the best qualities of her profession and is an absolute asset to the medical practice. Kudos to Maureen for her exceptional service and genuine kindness x
Emma E.
one year ago
Excellent!
Jenny Made Our Day Perfect
I inquired about a potential last-minute slot while my husband had an appointment, and they accommodated us perfectly. We both saw Jenny, and she was truly wonderful - such a compassionate professional. We cannot speak highly enough of her ❤️ She completely lifted our spirits and made our day so much brighter. We just wanted to express our deepest gratitude 😊
Robert W.
2 years ago
Bad!
Frustrating wait times at my local clinic
Scheduling a doctor's appointment seems impossible these days. Consistently frustrated by the difficulty of securing a consultation with a general practitioner.
Emily G.
2 years ago
Excellent!
Quick Care for My Sick Toddler
Topsham GP Surgery has consistently provided exceptional care, especially when it comes to my young child's urgent medical needs. Whenever we've required last-minute attention for my one-year-old, they've been incredibly responsive. Each staff member we've encountered has demonstrated the utmost professionalism and attention to detail. What truly stands out is their remarkable ability to remain incredibly warm and supportive, even during incredibly hectic and stressful periods. We are deeply grateful for their outstanding commitment and compassionate approach to healthcare 🙏
Lindsey S.
2 years ago
Bad!
Endless Wait for a Simple Sick Note
I've been attempting to obtain a medical certificate after visiting the clinic mid-last week. My workplace is persistently waiting for this document, and I've repeatedly contacted the surgery to follow up, only to be informed that the specific doctor is unavailable on Friday and Monday. When I requested an alternative physician to sign the note, given that I've already been waiting nearly a week, I was told that only the original doctor is authorized. This is completely absurd, as any medical professional can validate a sick note and access my medical history. It's utterly unacceptable. Perhaps the reception staff should consider medical training if they believe they're so knowledgeable!!! To make matters worse, I still haven't received the sick note, and my employers are now questioning my absence, which is entirely not my fault.
Olena O.
2 years ago
Bad!
Impossible Appointments and Endless Frustration
This was absolutely the worst ordeal I've ever encountered. They completely disregard any grievances raised. Scheduling an appointment seems utterly impossible. Even after successfully booking a slot, the appointment can be arbitrarily shifted multiple times. The ultimate outcome is a total dismissal of patients' concerns and difficulties.
Caroline A.
2 years ago
Excellent!
Quick and Painless Dental Visit
I consistently secure timely appointments and encounter staff who are welcoming, cheerful, and highly competent. Their approach transforms what might otherwise be a stressful medical visit into a pleasant and comfortable experience. Much appreciation for their exceptional service.
Christine E.
2 years ago
Bad!
Switched Surgeries After Terrible COVID Care
Terrible medical practice. The quality has significantly declined post-pandemic. Impossible to reach staff by telephone. Consistently lacking in scheduling regular check-ups. The Care Quality Commission should re-evaluate their current rating. I've now switched to a different surgery, which provides substantially improved care.
Christina A.
2 years ago
Bad!
Dad's Urgent Care Fell Apart
Zero stars would be too generous. My elderly father, aged 99, who had just been released from hospital after hip surgery, urgently required medical attention due to developing a urinary tract infection. Despite a recommendation from 111 for an immediate consultation on Monday, the medical practice flatly refused to provide a visit. The appointment they subsequently scheduled for Tuesday was also not honored, leaving my father in extreme distress and significantly disoriented. It wasn't until Tuesday evening that he finally received antibiotics, which were prescribed by 111 after the surgery completely failed to examine him. The entire situation was utterly appalling and unacceptable.
Michael P.
2 years ago
Bad!
Surgery Delay Left Me Hanging at Work
Spent hours anticipating my third medical certificate for surgery, fully aware my employer was becoming increasingly frustrated with my absence. Received empty assurances, and now I'm summoned to another evaluation meeting. Looks like my job is hanging in the balance, despite this not being my responsibility.
Corinne W.
2 years ago
Excellent!
Quick and Caring Morning Appointment
Phoned early in the morning seeking an immediate consultation, and the front desk staff was incredibly accommodating and kind! The doctor reached out promptly before 9 o'clock and quickly arranged my medication. Truly appreciative of their swift and attentive service!
Aliy D.
2 years ago
Excellent!
Great care from Doctor Wood at Topsham Surgery
I visited Topsham Surgery as a first-time patient, and Dr. Wood was exceptional. He attentively listened to my entire account and provided guidance that I truly appreciated. The entire staff made me feel completely at ease, respected, and welcomed during my visit 😊