Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a mixed experience at this GP practice, with notable strengths in clinical care and digital services alongside persistent challenges in appointment access and communication. Many patients report positive interactions with healthcare professionals who demonstrate thorough examination skills, clear explanations, and compassionate care. The online appointment system and e-consultation services receive particular praise for their responsiveness and efficiency. However, significant concerns emerge around appointment availability, with patients experiencing lengthy waits for consultations and difficulties reaching the practice by phone. Reception experience is inconsistent, with some patients describing welcoming and professional staff whilst others report dismissive or discourteous interactions.

Waiting times present a recurring frustration, both for initial appointments and specialist referrals, with some patients reporting delays of several weeks. Communication gaps are evident in follow-up care, with occasional instances of delayed responses to test results or patient queries. A minority of reviews raise concerns about clinical decision-making and the dismissive handling of patient concerns, though many patients express confidence in their assigned doctors and appreciate continuity of care when established.

The practice appears to perform well on clinical expertise and digital innovation, but would benefit from addressing appointment scheduling pressures and ensuring consistent standards of courtesy and responsiveness across all staff interactions.

Appointment

65.89 %
Great

Reception

68.32 %
Great

Cleanliness

78.50 %
Great

Care

75.18 %
Great

Respect

70.12 %
Great

Seen on time

62.34 %
Average

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A

Anonymouse 7 months ago

Rating

Poor!

  • Appointment

    Poor
  • Reception

    Great
  • Cleanliness

    Average
  • Care

    Bad
  • Respect

    Bad
  • Seen On Time

    Poor

Good practice but dismissive attitude

I recently attended a follow-up GP appointment after having blood tests done. Unfortunately, the results had not yet come through at the time of the consultation. The GP I saw was new to me and, from the outset, appeared dismissive and uninterested. I was not given the opportunity to explain my symptoms or the reason for the blood tests. Instead, I was told, without discussion, that “the results probably won’t show anything” and that my symptoms would “go away on their own.” The consultation lasted barely two minutes — after I had already waited about 25 minutes past my appointment time — and left me feeling dismissed and unheard. It was clear the GP did not wish to engage with my concerns that day. As a doctor in training myself, I found this deeply disappointing. The experience contradicted the principles of patient-centred care and communication that we are all taught to uphold. Regardless of the clinical outcome, every patient deserves to be listened to, taken seriously, and treated with respect. I want to note that the front desk staff, reception team, and other GPs at this practice have always been professional, kind, and attentive. This experience does not reflect how the practice usually operates, but I was very disappointed by this particular consultation.

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BG

Ben G. Google 9 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible customer service at medical practice

The front desk staff displayed a dismissive and condescending attitude. When I inquired about undelivered emails sent to the medical practice, the receptionist adamantly denied any issues and suggested the fault was entirely on our end, maintaining a patronizing tone throughout the conversation. There are undertones that suggest the interaction may have been influenced by racial bias. We are worried that critical medical documentation might have been misplaced or overlooked by the practice.

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MT

Merlyn T. Google 9 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Amazing healthcare experience with caring professionals

I have absolutely no complaints about this medical practice. Every staff member, from the welcoming reception team to the phlebotomists drawing my blood samples, has been incredibly compassionate. Special recognition goes to Dr Gavin, who demonstrates both remarkable professionalism and genuine empathy. The coordination of follow-up appointments and necessary referrals was prompt and seamless. I never once felt the need to persistently follow up or experienced any sense of being overlooked regarding my medical needs. This past year marked my first interactions with the GP, and I can confidently affirm that the care provided was exceptional throughout the entire process. My sincere gratitude!

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KB

Karin B. Google 9 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate care saved my husband's aching back

I'm incredibly grateful to Westbourne medical center for quickly scheduling an urgent consultation with Diane. My husband was in such severe discomfort that he was practically immobilized by his back pain. Diane was absolutely fantastic, dedicating ample time to demonstrating therapeutic exercises and carefully treating the problematic area, which provided significant relief.

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GF

George F. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Compassionate care from an amazing medical team

Fantastic primary care physician, absolutely no issues since establishing care here. Kudos to Tracy for managing my anxious call with such professionalism and skill.

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JF

Jane F. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional care and support from start to finish

Highly endorse this procedure. Proficient, compassionate, and attentive staff. Dr Gallimore has been incredibly supportive and empathetic. The front desk team is remarkably accommodating and always goes above and beyond. A truly exceptional level of service. Much appreciation.

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DJ

David J. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Disappointing healthcare with unhelpful wait and see approach

I've been receiving care at this medical facility with my family for quite some time. Throughout our experience, securing treatment has consistently been challenging, and when we do manage to see a healthcare professional, their typical response is a passive 'wait and observe' approach rather than taking decisive action. This is particularly exasperating since I'm not a frequent visitor to the practice, but the recurring pattern has now pushed me to seriously contemplate finding an alternative healthcare provider.

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MM

Marc M. Google 10 months ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and endless wait for medical care

A truly abysmal healthcare provider that falls far below any acceptable standard. Securing a consultation with your primary care physician requires an excruciating two-month wait, and the front desk staff seem expertly coached in patient deflection. Their standard response of "We're an extremely overwhelmed practice" becomes a tiresome refrain. If your medical concern can't endure a two-month delay, they casually suggest you visit the emergency department. Utterly disgraceful!

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JO

Jen O. Google 11 months ago

Rating

Excellent!

Speedy service and care at westbourne medical center

I'm not someone who typically leaves reviews, but today's experience at the surgery compelled me to share. This was my first time seeking medical care since relocating to the area. After submitting an online form at 8am, I received a callback within half an hour and was offered a face-to-face consultation less than an hour later. Dr Myles was incredibly welcoming and thorough, quickly addressing the health concern that brought me in. The reception team was equally pleasant and supportive following my appointment, helping me schedule the blood tests recommended by the doctor. Heartfelt appreciation goes out to the entire Westbourne medical team. I'm fully aware of the immense pressures currently facing GP practices and the NHS as a whole.

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KB

Kasia B. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Incredible care from an amazing medical team

Massive Gratitude to Dr. Raha for being an Incredible Physician who cared for me so wonderfully. Heartfelt Thanks to the Exceptional Nurses and Friendly Staff at the reception, plus the Kind Gentleman who conducted my ear examination and ECG. You all make this facility extraordinary. Certainly there are many remarkable individuals, but my deep appreciation goes to these truly Special people ❤️🫶💜💙🦋🕊️

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RS

Ruth S. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Quick and efficient medical consultation online

Filled out the digital health questionnaire about a potential medical issue. Almost instantly, I got a notification asking for image uploads, which I provided swiftly. Just a quarter-hour later, a healthcare professional phoned me, and after a brief discussion, they issued a prescription. The entire process was wrapped up in just 30 minutes! Absolutely exceptional service. Much appreciation!

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AH

A H. Google one year ago

Rating

Poor!

Terrible healthcare and dismissive doctors destroy hope

I'm deeply disappointed with the healthcare I've received here as a woman. Having been a patient for 15 years, I've consistently encountered subpar treatment. Despite attempting to change doctors multiple times, the quality of care remains abysmal. My experiences have been troubling: my HPV vaccine was discouraged due to the doctor's personal prejudices, my teenage anxiety was dismissively attributed to a relationship issue, and my recent smear test results were mishandled. Additionally, I've found my medical records to be inaccurate, with documentation reflecting intended actions rather than actual procedures. Booking an appointment has become nearly impossible. During my last attempt, the receptionist rudely hung up on me and simply sent a generic NHS website link - something anyone can easily access via Google. Many services I previously relied on have vanished, forcing me to seek alternatives like Boots pharmacy. While I understand the NHS is under strain, I can't help feeling this is used as a convenient excuse for unprofessional staff, a complete lack of compassion, and pure negligence. Westbourne needs significant improvement.

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MS

Michael S. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Friendly doctor makes medical visit surprisingly pleasant

I met Doctor Neil Raha for the first time and found him incredibly approachable. He quickly assisted me with great professionalism. The front desk staff was also friendly and welcoming. I'm actually looking forward to future visits now since the environment feels calm and organized.

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KL

Kerry L. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Westborne medical centre saved my health journey

I'm not typically someone who writes reviews, but in this case, I felt compelled to share my experience. Westborne Medical has been absolutely exceptional in their care for me. Whenever I need medical attention, I'm consistently seen the same day, especially for emergencies, and even regular appointments are handled efficiently. The doctors are truly remarkable - compassionate, attentive, and genuinely committed to finding solutions. I often hear people complaining about appointment difficulties and unhelpful medical staff, which makes me realize how fortunate I am with my healthcare providers. They always prioritize having me see my regular doctor when possible, which I appreciate. As someone dealing with bipolar disorder and anxiety, medical interactions can be challenging, but they consistently help me feel comfortable and supported. Recently, a nurse even spent 30 minutes with me, ensuring I was okay. The receptionists are equally fantastic, treating patients with respect and without the typical bureaucratic attitude I've heard others criticize in different medical practices. I could go on endlessly about how wonderful they are, but I think I've conveyed how truly exceptional Westborne Medical Centre is. Thank you to everyone there for your incredible care and compassion.

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TT

Teresa T. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Callous doctor endangers patient with shocking door slam

During my time at the clinic, I witnessed Dr. Schuster's appalling behavior towards an elderly patient using crutches. As she approached the entrance, he abruptly abandoned her, callously slamming the door on her arm while she struggled to maintain her balance. A loud crash and cry of pain erupted as the vulnerable patient was nearly seriously injured due to the doctor's complete disregard. Shockingly, he continued walking away without a hint of concern, casually sipping his coffee and displaying utter indifference to the potential harm he had just caused. The idea that a medical professional could be so callous and reckless towards a patient is beyond comprehension. His priority seemed to be preserving his coffee and avoiding any inconvenience, rather than showing basic human compassion or professional responsibility.

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TB

Tash B. Google one year ago

Rating

Poor!

Terrible reception staff ruining healthcare experience

I am penning this review in the hope of sparking some meaningful change. Throughout my interactions, I've consistently encountered reception staff who are remarkably discourteous and lacking in empathy. Whether I was addressing my personal health concerns or advocating for my grandmother before her passing, I was always greeted with immediate hostility. While I recognize they operate in a busy environment, they systematically cut conversations short, preventing patients from fully expressing their needs. Their approach seems focused solely on expediting calls with generic, mechanical responses. During my time in London, I experienced a markedly different standard of customer service at my previous GP surgery, which leads me to believe this is a specific cultural issue within this practice. Although I'm fortunate not to require frequent medical consultations, I now hesitate significantly before scheduling an appointment, primarily due to the daunting prospect of interacting with the reception team. The entire experience is profoundly unpleasant. The two stars I've awarded are solely due to my appreciation for my assigned physician, who fortunately provides a stark contrast to the front desk staff.

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RD

Robert D. Google one year ago

Rating

Poor!

Frustrating healthcare experience with limited access

Dr. Gavin Smith is excellent, though appointments with him are rare. I rely heavily on digital communication due to phone anxiety, but WMC has disabled their messaging platform, and scheduling a consultation seems impossible—absolutely zero availability. This situation is deeply concerning for patients managing ongoing health challenges and persistent pain.

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MA

Matthew A. Google one year ago

Rating

Excellent!

Exceptional care and professional medical support

Exceptional care provided by practitioner (K) during my visit. Demonstrated extensive expertise and meticulousness. The front desk team was equally supportive and friendly. Much appreciation to the entire staff.

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LM

Lauren M. Google one year ago

Rating

Great!

Great start with promising first impressions

Just arrived recently, and everything seems to be going smoothly so far 👍

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PR

Pat R. Google one year ago

Rating

Bad!

Terrible service and complete disappointment for patients

This establishment is an absolute disappointment; I deeply resent recommending this facility to anyone seeking medical care, and I'm furious about the complete misuse of my valuable time.

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About the GP

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

Contact Information

  • 01202 752550
  • Westbourne Medical Centre Milburn Road, Westbourne Bournemouth Dorset BH4 9HJ

Patient Experience Summary

Patient feedback reveals a mixed experience at this GP practice, with notable strengths in clinical care and digital services alongside persistent challenges in appointment access and communication. Many patients report positive interactions with healthcare professionals who demonstrate thorough examination skills, clear explanations, and compassionate care. The online appointment system and e-consultation services receive particular praise for their responsiveness and efficiency. However, significant concerns emerge around appointment availability, with patients experiencing lengthy waits for consultations and difficulties reaching the practice by phone. Reception experience is inconsistent, with some patients describing welcoming and professional staff whilst others report dismissive or discourteous interactions.

Waiting times present a recurring frustration, both for initial appointments and specialist referrals, with some patients reporting delays of several weeks. Communication gaps are evident in follow-up care, with occasional instances of delayed responses to test results or patient queries. A minority of reviews raise concerns about clinical decision-making and the dismissive handling of patient concerns, though many patients express confidence in their assigned doctors and appreciate continuity of care when established.

The practice appears to perform well on clinical expertise and digital innovation, but would benefit from addressing appointment scheduling pressures and ensuring consistent standards of courtesy and responsiveness across all staff interactions.

Appointment

65.89 %
Great

Reception

68.32 %
Great

Cleanliness

78.50 %
Great

Care

75.18 %
Great

Respect

70.12 %
Great

Seen on time

62.34 %
Average
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