Patient Experience Summary

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

42.18 %
Poor

Reception

48.76 %
Poor

Cleanliness

72.50 %
Great

Care

58.94 %
Average

Respect

52.41 %
Average

Seen on time

45.63 %
Poor

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SG

Splurge G. Google 2 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Hung Up During My Allergic Reaction

I spent over an hour and a half attempting to reach them, and when they eventually answered, they simply hung up, disregarding my urgent call. At the time, I was experiencing a rapidly intensifying, severe allergic rash. Fortunately, my self-administered antihistamines provided relief, but I'm deeply concerned about what could have happened if they hadn't been effective. A&E was not an appropriate solution, and any such recommendation should have come directly from a GP. The safety implications are alarming. It's disheartening to see that this experience aligns with accounts from other patients, suggesting a systemic issue with the practice's approach and culture.

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AD

Anthony D. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Clean and Welcoming Doctor's Office in Topsham

The medical center in Topsham offers a welcoming environment with courteous staff, maintaining an immaculate and professional atmosphere that makes visiting the doctor's office a pleasant experience.

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DG

Daniel G. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible customer service drove me away

A service that fails to pick up calls and creates an unwelcoming atmosphere when you arrive in person. I've now transferred my entire family to a different practice. They're overwhelmed with patients and display a terrible approach to customer care... Good luck trying to schedule an appointment or even making contact with them.

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TR

Tracy R. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating wait at doctor's office

I've spent two frustrating hours attempting to navigate the most abysmal doctor's office scheduling and support I have ever encountered.

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SS

Steampoweredsatsuma S. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Nightmare at the Doctor's Front Desk

Consistently encountering communication barriers with this practice. Multiple attempts to connect via phone have been futile, and in-person visits have revealed an unstaffed reception area. When I eventually succeeded in speaking with someone, the staff's demeanor was hostile and dismissive. As a result, I'm transferring to another medical practice due to this unacceptable level of service.

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FT

Fiona T. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick and caring check-up at Topsham clinic

Exceptional care from start to finish. The process of becoming a new patient was seamless, and I secured an immediate consultation. The nursing staff was incredibly compassionate and professional. My healthcare provider conducted a comprehensive assessment, clearly walked me through my medical findings, and outlined a personalized treatment strategy. Kudos to the entire Topsham medical team for their outstanding service.

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EW

Elle W. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Average!

Endless Waiting on Their Phone Lines

The customer service phone system is terrible. You're stuck in a line, anticipating the moment someone will finally answer, only to be met with endless ringing when it's your turn. I've been on hold for a quarter of an hour, and the call just keeps cycling through without any response. Their communication setup makes it incredibly challenging to connect with a representative!

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BM

Belinda M. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate Staff at Surgery Helped Me Today

I visited the medical center today seeking assistance and support on behalf of someone else, and the reception team was incredibly understanding and supportive. Rachel Morgan, in particular, was outstanding, and the entire staff demonstrated exceptional professionalism and kindness 🤩

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WK

Wojciech K. Google 3 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Helpful care during our covid family visit

Exceptional service. Consistently professional. Even during the pandemic, they maintained the option for in-person consultations when required. When a relative from Poland needed to extend their stay due to COVID-related complications, the team effortlessly helped arrange prescription medications. We are truly grateful for their assistance and compassionate approach.

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SK

Steve K. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Call Dropped, Appointment Delayed

I scheduled a telephone consultation, but the call dropped after 5-6 rings without connecting. There was no immediate callback on either my landline or mobile device. The service quality is absolutely abysmal - it's already March 14th, and my next possible phone appointment is not for another two weeks. I'm left wondering when in-person meetings will become an option again.

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TP

Tim P. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Two Decades of Caring Family Doctors

Our family has relied on this medical facility and its Glasshouse Lane location for over 20 years. The care provided has consistently been top-notch, with our children always receiving prompt evaluations whenever medical concerns emerged, and I've encountered nothing but warm, welcoming staff. Throughout the recent challenging times, if you approach the team with understanding and courtesy, you'll be met with equivalent professionalism. Much appreciation.

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PA

Paul A. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Average!

Impossible to See a Doctor in Person

I'm utterly baffled by the inability to schedule an in-person medical consultation. The entire process is now restricted to phone interactions, which completely prevents me from physically demonstrating my health concerns to my physician. This approach is incredibly aggravating and feels deeply impersonal.

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GM

Gavin M. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Impossible Phone Lines at This Medical Office

Reaching someone by phone is nearly impossible. They desperately need to overhaul their communication setup or hire additional personnel. The medical treatment itself is commendable once you manage to secure an appointment, but the initial contact process is incredibly frustrating.

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LT

Lee T. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Phone Lines Down, Patients Left Hanging

Unable to reach anyone by phone, they've seemingly disconnected their lines. I worry about patients who might need urgent communication today, as getting through is impossible. This level of service is completely unacceptable. I'm seriously considering switching healthcare providers because their customer support has deteriorated dramatically. Encountering rude staff is now standard when attempting to contact them, and it appears nobody has any genuine concern. They desperately need additional personnel with no room for excuses.

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JB

Judith B. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Caring Help from Hannah and Her Team

I simply cannot praise this practice enough. The receptionist's approach was incredibly compassionate, attentive, and remarkably professional. She instantly put me at ease as she comprehensively managed my entire situation. When Dr. Hannah Butterworth subsequently contacted me, her clinical approach was nothing short of exceptional... Demonstrating genuine empathy, profound expertise, and remarkable effectiveness. In moments of illness, one truly desires someone who can decisively step in and guide you towards recovery. Both Dr. Butterworth and the receptionist were absolutely outstanding, and I am profoundly grateful for their exceptional care!

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PY

Philippe Y. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Nightmare Customer Service at Call Center

Endless phone waiting nightmare - Tedious, unskippable COVID message greets every call, followed by interminable hold times that often result in an abrupt disconnection. Several front desk employees display shockingly unprofessional attitudes that defy customer service expectations.

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MM

Mavis M. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Rude Staff Ruined My Interaction with Emily

Unwelcoming and curt front desk personnel who seem cordial until you pose a challenging inquiry, at which point their brusque attitude emerges. Absolutely dreadful! My interaction was with Emily.

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LB

Liam B. Google 8 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Easy parking at a clean medical center

Convenient medical facility with a tidy environment and complimentary parking spaces.

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Trusted by GP practices across the UK
Practice Response Rate
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Shows how often this practice responds to patient reviews and feedback.

About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01392 874646
  • The Topsham Surgery Holman Way, Topsham Exeter Devon EX3 0EN

Patient Experience Summary

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

42.18 %
Poor

Reception

48.76 %
Poor

Cleanliness

72.50 %
Great

Care

58.94 %
Average

Respect

52.41 %
Average

Seen on time

45.63 %
Poor
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