Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a deeply polarised experience at this practice, with significant challenges in appointment access and reception experience contrasting sharply with positive feedback about clinical care. Many patients report substantial difficulties securing appointments, with common complaints about lengthy waiting times for bookings, restrictive phone-in systems requiring calls at precise times, and extended gaps between initial contact and available slots. Reception experience emerges as a critical concern, with multiple reports of discourteous, dismissive, and unhelpful staff interactions, though some patients praise individual receptionists for exceptional support. Communication issues are frequently cited, including poor follow-up, unresponsive staff, and inadequate explanation of procedures or requirements.

Where clinical care is discussed positively, patients commend the professionalism, thoroughness, and compassion of nursing staff and certain doctors, with particular appreciation for those who demonstrate attentiveness and provide clear explanations. However, negative clinical feedback includes concerns about rushed consultations, inadequate examinations, and instances where patients felt their concerns were dismissed or not properly investigated. The practice environment receives mixed reviews, with some patients noting welcoming and well-designed waiting areas whilst others describe it as cramped and unreliable.

The overall picture suggests systemic pressures affecting service delivery, with appointment availability and reception courtesy representing the most consistent sources of patient dissatisfaction, whilst clinical expertise and nursing support are frequently highlighted as strengths when patients successfully access care.

Appointment

28.64 %
Bad

Reception

35.42 %
Poor

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

48.73 %
Poor

Respect

38.91 %
Poor

Seen on time

32.18 %
Bad

Filter

AS

Adam S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Life-changing doctor solves years of chronic cough

I sought help at this medical practice after battling a persistent cough for years that no previous healthcare professional could resolve. Having lost hope in doctors, I decided to consult a new GP who had recently joined the practice. The American physician was incredibly thorough and empathetic, carefully examining all my symptoms and helping me feel comfortable. He meticulously reviewed my medications and identified a blood pressure tablet that might be causing my cough. After adjusting the prescription, my symptoms dramatically improved within a week, and the cough completely disappeared. I'm astounded that multiple doctors previously overlooked this potential medication issue, while this GP quickly identified and resolved it. He has genuinely transformed my life, and I'm immensely grateful. Contrary to other reviews, I have never experienced any unprofessional treatment or felt uncomfortable during my visits. Despite the current pressures on the NHS, this practice delivers exceptional care. I wholeheartedly rate them 10/10 and enthusiastically recommend them to anyone seeking quality medical treatment!

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JV

Johnny V. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating healthcare system fails patients completely

The National Health Service, particularly its general practitioner sector, has become utterly dysfunctional. Accessing a doctor has become nearly impossible, rendering the entire system pointless and ineffective. It might be time to seriously consider dismantling this broken healthcare model.

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FQ

Frozen Q. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Unprofessional doctor disappoints after years of great care

Having been a medical patient for decades, I'm now 52 years old... Typically, I've had no complaints about the staff or physicians at this facility, but my recent encounter with an American doctor was deeply disappointing. Right before my eyes, he searched my symptoms on Google, stepped away to consult a colleague, and then proceeded to look up the American Cancer Association without even attempting to hide his screen. Essentially, he found no clear diagnosis and dismissively suggested I use mouthwash and gargle. This approach completely undermined my confidence in his medical expertise. Truly, he was entirely ineffective and unprofessional.

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RF

Rebecca F. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Frustrating healthcare experience with unhelpful doctor

For the most part, this medical practice has been excellent. I found a physician I felt at ease with, who was incredibly supportive and kind. Recently, I've experienced some alarming symptoms and after persistently requesting an appointment, I was finally referred to the hospital for diagnostic testing. The test results were inconclusive, and the compassionate nurse referred me to a specialist last week, with the appointment scheduled for April. I recognize the extended waiting period due to the lengthy healthcare system and COVID-related complications. Consequently, I arranged a telephone consultation with another doctor to discuss potential alternatives while waiting. After a two-week wait, I became emotional during the call, expressing my concerns and reluctance to delay further. The doctor mentioned a temporary medication, which I explained had been ineffective for me, as I could only take it briefly and it provided no long-term relief. She then claimed she couldn't hear me and that the phone connection was poor. I paused and confirmed she could hear me before continuing to explain my previous treatments. Surprisingly, she asked if I was capable of sitting and listening, which left me stunned. I interpreted this as her wanting me to be silent. She proceeded to prescribe a medication I have a documented adverse reaction to and then informed me that due to my recent relocation, I was outside their service area and would need to find another practice. (Despite previously being told I could remain registered by submitting a letter) When I mentioned the letter, she stated it would be reviewed and then dismissed at their meeting. I awkwardly concluded the call and hung up. I'm now uncertain how to proceed except to manage my symptoms until April. If subsequent results reveal a condition that could have been prevented or treated early, I will file a formal complaint. Should it prove to be a serious, potentially life-threatening, or untreatable condition—which increasingly seems likely—I am prepared to pursue legal action.

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CW

Chloe W. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst product ever avoid at all costs

I wish I could give this product fewer than the minimum rating possible. It's so disappointing that I'm struggling to find anything positive to say about it. The experience has been completely frustrating from start to finish, and I genuinely cannot recommend this to anyone.

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SA

Sandie A. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional care from compassionate medical professionals

We've consistently had the opportunity to consult with medical professionals. We are extremely satisfied with the high-quality care provided by our physicians and nurses. The entire staff is wonderful.

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NB

Neil B. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Loyal patient abandoned without warning or care

After five decades of loyalty, my wife was abruptly removed from their patient list without any prior communication. We only discovered this when she attempted to inquire about her COVID vaccination. Their handling of long-standing patients is absolutely unacceptable.

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IM

Imogene M. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical care ever avoid this practice

I've never encountered a more callous and dismissive medical team. Their approach is entirely mechanical, with every patient interaction crammed into brief, impersonal 10-minute consultations. Whenever patients attempt to voice their anxieties or medical worries, the staff immediately interrupt and steamroll over their concerns. If you have any alternative healthcare providers available, I strongly advise avoiding this practice entirely.

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TD

Tom D. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Disappointing decline of once-trusted local medical practice

I've been a loyal patient at The Village Surgery for over two decades, and the quality of care has steadily declined. The doctors appear disinterested and dismissive. Recently, I endured a two-week wait for a telephone consultation, only to be directed by the physician to consult a website for my medical issue. This information could have easily been relayed by the receptionist when I initially scheduled the appointment, saving me time and frustration.

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AS

Anne S. Google 4 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional care at village surgery during challenging times

I cannot speak highly enough of the team at the Village Surgery. The front desk personnel have consistently demonstrated exceptional kindness and support, especially during these challenging circumstances. The physicians have been attentive to my medical concerns and remarkably efficient. We have seamlessly transitioned to remote consultations, and I am thoroughly impressed with their approach.

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TK

Taher K. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical care ever for my sick toddler

I'm completely at a loss about this local medical practice. The staff, from the front desk to the lead physician, are utterly appalling. My three-year-old has been suffering from a persistent cough for three consecutive months, and despite my repeated attempts to schedule a doctor's appointment, I've been consistently turned away. Their only advice is to keep giving my child water! After taking him to the hospital, they recommended that he be examined by this clinic and even sent a written request for an appointment. When I called back, the receptionist once again claimed the doctors were too busy... These people are ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE AND COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE.

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AA

Alisha A. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustratingly long wait for medical care

Extended wait times for scheduling consultations, with a backlog stretching to nearly a month before securing an available slot.

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FF

Farid F. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Worst medical service ever terrible wait times

Getting medical attention was an absolute nightmare. I had to make four separate attempts - through phone calls and online consultations - just to secure a doctor's appointment, which was scheduled three weeks out. Despite being told this was an emergency situation and that a physician would contact me promptly, I waited the entire day with zero communication. When I followed up, I was grudgingly given a phone consultation slot two weeks later. Their persistent excuse of COVID-related challenges seems like a convenient cover for their complete lack of professional responsiveness.

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AG

Anna G. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional dental care with thorough and compassionate approach

Exceptional medical professional who thoroughly explained my dental issue, performed a comprehensive x-ray that was overlooked by previous healthcare providers. The staff demonstrated genuine compassion, and the clinic environment felt completely reliable and welcoming. I wholeheartedly endorse this dental practice.

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RG

R G. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Frustrating doctors fail to provide proper patient care

It's high time physicians stopped using receptionists as shields and actually engaged directly with their patients... Dental clinics manage it, hospitals do, pharmacies do... So why can't medical practices? My experience with this general practice has been thoroughly frustrating. Their telephone consultation approach is completely impractical. If you happen to miss their call, you're immediately bumped back to the end of the queue. This is incredibly challenging for individuals struggling with anxiety! What are people supposed to do if they're in the middle of their workday? Or working in essential frontline roles? Urgent improvements are needed. Your telephone appointment system is fundamentally flawed!

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AG

Archie G. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Great!

Exceptional healthcare support through university years

I've been registered with this local medical practice throughout my university years. The nurses have been administering my monthly hormone injections consistently and punctually, addressing any potential complications swiftly and effectively. Since these are monthly treatments, I require ongoing care even when I'm back home in Kent, away from Bournemouth. Each time I've registered as a temporary patient with a local GP, there have been issues with my prescription - either not ordering the medication or ordering incorrect injections. However, the Village surgery has always stepped in to help me maintain my treatment schedule as closely as possible to my required dates. The staff, especially the nursing team, are truly exceptional and welcoming. The reception personnel are equally helpful and always ready to answer any queries I might have.

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AR

Abbie R. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional doctor who truly cares for patients

Dr Fullerton is absolutely fantastic! Throughout my interactions with him, both for myself and my kids, I've been consistently impressed. He's truly exceptional, and I sincerely hope he continues working at the practice, as he's an invaluable member of the medical team.

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JG

Josh G. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Poor!

Terrible experience with unhelpful and dismissive staff

Absolutely abysmal service quality, with staff treating the patient as if they were a bothersome interruption rather than a priority

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KB

Kasia B. Google 5 years ago

Rating

Bad!

Negligent doctors missed my serious health issue

During my time at university, I enrolled at this medical practice due to my proximity to the area. Seeking help for my irregular menstrual cycle, I was dismayed by the physicians' apparent readiness to prescribe contraceptive medication without conducting any preliminary examinations. Upon returning to my gynecologist in Poland, a comprehensive ultrasound revealed a cyst on my ovary, approximately the size of a tennis ball, which had been developing undetected for an extended period. I am deeply disturbed by the medical practice's apparent lack of thoroughness and concern. My sincere hope is that no other patient will endure a comparable experience of medical negligence and indifference.

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KB

Karen B. Google 6 years ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly support when you need it most

Excellent resource for assistance

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For practice staff

Respond to patient reviews

Monitor satisfaction trends

Generate CQC evidence reports

Claim & Manage Profile
Trusted by GP practices across the UK
Practice Response Rate
0.00%

Shows how often this practice responds to patient reviews and feedback.

About the GP

  • Accepts all feedback, both positive and negative.

Contact Information

  • 01202 525252
  • The Village Surgery Gillett Rd,Talbot Village Poole Dorset BH12 5BF

Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a deeply polarised experience at this practice, with significant challenges in appointment access and reception experience contrasting sharply with positive feedback about clinical care. Many patients report substantial difficulties securing appointments, with common complaints about lengthy waiting times for bookings, restrictive phone-in systems requiring calls at precise times, and extended gaps between initial contact and available slots. Reception experience emerges as a critical concern, with multiple reports of discourteous, dismissive, and unhelpful staff interactions, though some patients praise individual receptionists for exceptional support. Communication issues are frequently cited, including poor follow-up, unresponsive staff, and inadequate explanation of procedures or requirements.

Where clinical care is discussed positively, patients commend the professionalism, thoroughness, and compassion of nursing staff and certain doctors, with particular appreciation for those who demonstrate attentiveness and provide clear explanations. However, negative clinical feedback includes concerns about rushed consultations, inadequate examinations, and instances where patients felt their concerns were dismissed or not properly investigated. The practice environment receives mixed reviews, with some patients noting welcoming and well-designed waiting areas whilst others describe it as cramped and unreliable.

The overall picture suggests systemic pressures affecting service delivery, with appointment availability and reception courtesy representing the most consistent sources of patient dissatisfaction, whilst clinical expertise and nursing support are frequently highlighted as strengths when patients successfully access care.

Appointment

28.64 %
Bad

Reception

35.42 %
Poor

Cleanliness

65.00 %
Great

Care

48.73 %
Poor

Respect

38.91 %
Poor

Seen on time

32.18 %
Bad
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