janduplessis886/england-nhs-gp-reviews huggingface dataset:
GP surgery review: university-medical-centre
Title: Practice nurse
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: January 2023
Today I had an ECG and a BP monitor fitted. Nurse was efficient, friendly, speedy, thorough and relaxing. We patients are lucky to have this kind of service.
GP surgery review: university-medical-centre
Title: Excellent practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: November 2022
I rarely used the gp prior to having my child toward the end of 2021- since then I have been in contact numerous times due to jabs and  the usual child ills as well as various post pregnancy related issues for myself;  each time I have found the staff (receptionists, nurses and of course Gps) so courteous, thoughtful, and reassuring In their care. I have never been made to feel silly or that I was wasting anyone’s time, I have always felt listened to and that the highest level of care has been afforded to us as a family. I have always got an appointment when needed and most importantly have been treated with respect and supported.
GP surgery review: university-medical-centre
Title: Very pleasant
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: June 2022
As stated, very pleasant, but experiencing difficulty in reaching termination partly because of the number of requisite characters. Would appreciate ability to complete repeat prescription request/s without the need.
GP surgery review: ash-surgery
Title: Lazy lazy doctors
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
This practice is the best evidence of why the country should do away with gp system of care.
E-consults, you get a text message saying 'you need an appointment, ring at 8am to get one'...if the gp is recommending an appointment they should make one.
They won't refer you unless you specifically tell them to do it and where to refer. When the hospital has seen me, they have repeatedly said it is very difficult because the gp referral is just one sentence!
They never follow up plans from the hospital, or from hospital discharges, including not prescribing medications.
GP surgery review: ash-surgery
Title: Inadequate management and administration
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
Pre covid this surgery ran smoothly and it was possible to be seen face to face. Today I actually managed to get through before 9am to try to make an appointment to see a gp. After explaining why I was then told to submit an e-consult and that she couldn't make me an appointment. On asking why, she just said you need to do an econsult and someone will get back to you with an appointment. She was not able to make me appointment despite the fact that I rang the appointment line. Very unhelpful and not very friendly either. I said that I'd tried to submit an econsult on Sunday but that the message came on the website that my surgery doesn't accept them at the weekend. She argued that too and said they do between 8 and 6!! I reiterated that the website says otherwise.  Sadly I didn't get her name.  This is,not the first time the receptionists have been less than helpful.  

Pre covid this was a superb practice but whether it's due to practice management not being any good or unhappy staff because the practice protocols seem to be very odd I'm not sure. But I do know that after 55 years of being registered with this practice I am seriously considering moving.
GP surgery review: ash-surgery
Title: Shocking service..... what service!
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: February 2023
Try getting any type of consultation. I challenge you. It is mission impossible! 
First you give that tried, tested and failing method of calling at 8am.... get cut off. Strike 1. Give the e consult a go. If like me you'll foolishly be lulled into a false sense of success. I stupidly believed them when I received a message that they'd call in 48 hours. Silly me. Strike 2
Call to follow up missed call back. Told I was on a waiting list, asked when I could expect to speak to someone, they didnt have that information. Asked if I could speak to someone who did. No-one appears to have said information. Offered an appointment in 30 days time..... 
All a bit pathetic really.
GP surgery review: ash-surgery
Title: exceptionally excellent
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: November 2022
the practice response to my family's needs have
been outstanding over many years , exceptionally 
recently during the covid emergency. 
from the initial connection with the receptionists who
are always welcoming and good natured, helpful and 
listening to details of enquiries, to meeting the doctors, each
one, and I have been like an hypochondriac lately,  has welcomed me with a smile and given the time necessary to meet my medical needs.   Over and above expectation.
GP surgery review: ash-surgery
Title: Too long for answers
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: October 2022
It doesn't matter if you're waiting for blood test, X-ray or MRI scan results - you just can't get an answer if the G.P. has to comment on them (month long waits, making continuous phone calls).  Reception staff and nurses are excellent though!
GP surgery review: ash-surgery
Title: Disappointing service
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: July 2022
I have been a patient of this practice for 20 years. Pre covid it was excellent, good doctors and an excellent appointment system. I don't need them very often but recently have needed to book or ask advice. After finally managing to get through after trying repeatedly was told to call back the next day at 8am. I did, was told the doctor would call me but by 5.45pm they hadn't phoned, called again to be told they often call out of hours. 2 days later I had a voicemail from the doctor asking me to call back if I still wanted to speak to them! I didn't as I had no choice but to go elsewhere. I'm now trying to get through again regarding a prescription matter but phone just rings endlessly. It's not realistic to have an appointment system that prevents patients from being able to book non-urgent appointments in advance! Many people have to consider work commitments. There's always a message on their website stating they have a problem with phone lines but aware of it! I'll keep trying and might get through eventually. Concerning for patients who need to see their GP urgently.
GP surgery review: ash-surgery
Title: Can't get an appointment
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2022
This surgery now has only 2 Doctors and is clearly struggling which is a shame.  When I joined the surgery 6 years ago I felt they were a lovely little practice but due to staffing issues they are really letting down their patients. Been trying to get an appointment and have no given up.  Looking at taking my family elsewhere as although we don't need healthcare often I want to feel that I can get an appointment and be cared for without the need to go to A & E.  This Surgery has so much potential and it's a shame they are letting down their patients. This is how serious problems go undiagnosed.
GP surgery review: ash-surgery
Title: Try getting an appointment!
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
I have only very recently joined this surgery and now realise it is one of those that literally make you beg for an appointment. 
I have less than a month to get a repeat prescription and it appears that this is nowhere near enough time to arrange this!
Why can't doctors surgery's operate in the real world. In no other sector are you required to ring up at 8am to beg, plead and come close to tears to get an appointment. Telling me this is "standard practice" doesn't cut it. It is not addressing the issue. 
I will have to try again in the week as apparently they can't book same day appointments on a Monday. Clearly I am not privy to the rules of appointment booking!
GP surgery review: ash-surgery
Title: Impossible to get an appointment
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
The Drs are very good if you can get to see one. 
But, this is currently very difficult. I was asked to make an appointment after some test results.
I have rung and been told the diary hasn't been made-up yet(?!) ring back tomorrow.
Rung back no appointments, told to ring back at 8am to get a day appointment. Tried several times couldn't get through, or all the appointments had gone. I managed to get through, got a telephone appointment, no one bothered to call me! So, I started again, the diary had just been made up (hooray)...4 weeks wait until the appointment. 
I know GPS's are really struggling, but this surgery is currently on its knees.
GP surgery review: birchington-medical-centre
Title: My experience
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: January 2024
The ladies were very nice but I am afraid it was a waste of their time as I had been booked in too early for my second shingles jab so will return at later date.
GP surgery review: birchington-medical-centre
Title: My experience
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2024
Being seen by an actual trained and qualified doctor. Not a nurse or paramedic...hence a quick and accurate diagnosis and treatment...
GP surgery review: birchington-medical-centre
Title: My experience
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2024
I was able to have a face to face appt with a nurse practitioner and a doctor within a few days when I really felt unwell.
GP surgery review: birchington-medical-centre
Title: My experience
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2024
Friendly helpful receptionist, really professional GP who listened to my concerns and advised me on appropriate treatments and tests that needed to be done,  I am extremely impressed how quickly it was dealt with.
GP surgery review: birchington-medical-centre
Title: My experience
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: January 2024
After calling at 2 minutes past 8 for an appointment I received a call back just before 9 and there was no appointment available.
GP surgery review: birchington-medical-centre
Title: My experience
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: January 2024
Consultation was on time and the doctor spoke very clearly and listened to what I had to say. I was not rushed.
GP surgery review: birchington-medical-centre
Title: My experience
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: January 2024
Dr showed little interest in what i said.  Waited 3 weeks for an appt that i didn't feel was worth it
GP surgery review: birchington-medical-centre
Title: My experience
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2024
Friendly and patient nurse who put my mind at rest knowing I was extremely anxious about a procedure I was going to have.
GP surgery review: birchington-medical-centre
Title: My experience
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: January 2024
Firstly access - several times when entering I have had to give my full name and say why I am attending. Often it is with a queue of people close by when really there should be a system that enables me to check in without having to reveal in front of other (not working there) my personal information.
Second - I was booked for an appointment that was all about a repeat of my presscription, however it was booked at a time when no doctor was there to sign it off. This was inefficient and unnecessary. I was not made aware of this and would have arranged an alternative time to come had this been highlighted. 
Thirdly I then arranged to come back to pick up my prescription when I was informed the notes on the system had not been left to do this and even though I stated it was the case it was said I had to wait for the person who saw me to come back in the next day to verify it and then wait again for sign off.
Fourth issue - I asked for a call first thing so I could arrange my day and ensure my prescription was then made available, this did not happen I called and found out it was being processed and should be available later. I was then called after lunch to say it would now be  ready to collect. 
Fifth I went in to collect my prescription it was not ready. I had to wait, the whole prescription was not available and I have to go back again. The pharmacist said this happens often that the doctors reception informs people prescriptions are ready and not leaving enough time for them ti be proecessed.
This is my second time the communications between different personnel has resulted in delays and confusion. On ny previous visit it took 3 hours to sort getting a prescription as what was prescribed was not available to the pharmacy, I was then sent back to the doctor after seeing a nurse to say what had been prescribed was not suitable and then had to go back to the nurse and back to the pharmacy.
GP surgery review: birchington-medical-centre
Title: My experience
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2024
Very pleasant Doctor who gave me result s of tests and is sending through prescription to Chemist. Did not rush consultation.
GP surgery review: minster-surgery
Title: Really awful practice service
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
The GP surgery is terrible at answering the phone in a reasonable time. If you phone at 8am when the phone lines open you’ll be waiting for ages, usually about 20-30 people in the queue. They only book telephone consultations with no possibility to actually see a doctor without first waiting for a phone call. You’ll only be able to book for the following week if you are lucky and there are only a few on the day telephone calls. Even when you do manage to book a phone call a week after arranging some expect to be given a time when the call will happen. Just told ‘mid morning’ which apparently now means anytime of the day. The GPS are reasonably helpful but it’s not a good practice. My advice, change to another practice in the area!
GP surgery review: minster-surgery
Title: Excellent surgery and lovely staff
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
I cannot recommend this practice enough! I have been with the surgery for over 20 years, the GPs, nurses, management and admin staff are so kind and helpful. Everyone understands that surgeries are busier than they use to be but Minster has taken this in their stride with offering different appointments to help all get access to see or speak to someone. The phone system is great and calls you back so you don’t have to hang on in a queue, which is fab when you are busy in the morning. I find it hard to believe that other patients are so ignorant to the fact the practice has over 9000 patients and they are not the only one. Things will take time and GPs cannot just sign things off without checking first - patients must take some responsibility. The staff always take you seriously and will do their best to arrange you an appropriate appointment if not on the day but days following. It is an absolutely amazing surgery, we are so lucky to have it over some other surgeries in Thanet.
GP surgery review: minster-surgery
Title: Very Helpful - Glad they are my Doctors Surgery
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
I have always found the Doctors at Minster extremely helpful and supportive and I'm glad I am under this surgery.   Also, I have always found the receptionists, admin team and prescription team helpful and friendly.   Yes it can be difficult when you phone at busy times but the call back facility is a god send.   Thank you.
GP surgery review: minster-surgery
Title: Bad practice
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
I handed in a letter from kcc that had to be signed by a doctor to enable me to carry on my employment. I was told this could take up to 28 days. I said this was urgent as my permit would run out on 9/5/2023. I was told it's not NHS work but private. I get that, but it would take ten seconds to scribble a name on a letter but they would be quite happy to see me lose my job.
GP surgery review: minster-surgery
Title: Wonderful caring practice.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: April 2022
I've been a patient with Minster Surgery since early 2014, and in all that time I have always found the staff and doctors  to be helpful, professional and caring. I feel lucky to live in a village with such an amazing surgery. You hear so many awful things about dreadful practices.
I can only speak from my own experiences and I'm totally satisfied with my care by this surgery. Even during the worst of Covid lockdowns the docs and staff remained courteous and caring. 10/10 .Thank you all so much!
GP surgery review: minster-surgery
Title: Excellent service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
Phoned doctors at 1 pm and stated my daughters medical problem. Doctor phoned me back in 2 hours and saw my daughter. Wonderful efficient service and helpful receptionist
GP surgery review: minster-surgery
Title: Poor assistants
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
I've tried calling, going into surgery and filing in a e form and have been dismissed by all.
I have been suspended from work for blood pressure issues I've had great service from the nursing team to aid my needs to lower my blood pressure but require a email or letter from a gp to just say that I'm OK to drive and that I'm under medication and that is all I can then get back to earning again.
But due to unhelpful and iggnorat reception staff I come across a unbreakable barrier to get this letter.
So thank you very much
GP surgery review: minster-surgery
Title: Useless
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
Very difficult to even speak to staff at this practice. After phoning continuously and remaining in a queue having a message saying they are very busy I decided to pay a visit. Surprise surprise no one in the waiting room. No one in reception! I was noticed by two staff working in the prescription room but ignored. Then as I picked my mobile phone up to phone them the receptionists wandered in. Terrible.
GP surgery review: minster-surgery
Title: Great practice - terrible admin
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
Cannot fault the doctors, they listen and sort you out. Only downside is the admin staff, one receptionist in particular is rude, expects you to discuss private matters over the phone and call at 8:00am on the dot for an appointment when
1. That’s not possible to get through and 
2. Some people have other things to do at 8am!
This is also not a requirement according to the website as lines for appointments are open from 8-6:30.
GP surgery review: st-peter's-surgery
Title: Blood test
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
I had a routine blood test. I am always very nervous but the practice nurse was very reassuring and competent. She put me at my ease and did the procedure without pain or bruising.
The permanent doctor at the practice picked up an abnormality immediately and requested a repeat blood test. 
The receptionist went out of her way to fit me in for the second blood test. This was carried out by the same phlebotomist with the same faultless experience.
I have been lucky enough to have good health so my experience of the surgery is limited but, based on my experiences over the last two weeks, I am really pleased and grateful for their prompt and caring responses.
GP surgery review: st-peter's-surgery
Title: Abysmal Service
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: February 2023
Although the medical staff are competent the 'Gate Keepers' are absolutely without any communication skills or willing to listen, obstructive, and dictatorial, and accuse the patient of lying and are undermining.The website states appointments can be made in advance or emergencies on the day at 8am. Rubbish, when you get through at 8 they then put you on hold for 10 minutes, and then ask lots of intrusive questions including wether a covid test has been taken, when they informed yes, they disbelieve the patient and say do it again. Even after receiving a msg from the surgery to book an appointment for antibiotics due to the severity of the illness, they refuse to give an appointment and tell you to ring back the next day at 8am. Is the directive coming from the doctors running the surgery to have rude and incompetent staff as first point of call for the surgery or are they unaware of the way they treat people. This I find hard to believe. Being accused to working the system by taking online consultations because it is impossible to see or speak to the actual medical professionals is disgusting. Then being told to have a phone consultation when at work on a 10 hour shift, whilst feeling like as though you cannot fo on anymore also does not work. Real people in the real world cannot just drop everything at a drop of the hat just to appease the staff. Heavan forbid that a complaint is made, and to then receive a message from the Practice Manager to remove the negative comments. So this looks as though we will have to spend another afternoon at A&E to see the GP at the hospital. It was better during Covid when the surgery actually appeared to care for it's patients. Or was this just an act.
GP surgery review: westgate-surgery
Title: Brilliant service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: December 2023
Having transferred to this surgery approx 18 months ago, I have nothing but praise for this surgery, the receptionist staff are always happy to help and the DR who I am now registered under is the consummate professional who leaves no stone unturned so as to fully investigate your query/ailment. I can only add that she is a credit to her profession. Thank you
GP surgery review: westgate-surgery
Title: Supportive and efficient
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: September 2023
I had to attend a medical today and felt it right and proper to compliment my GP on the effectiveness of my service, but also how quickly they treated my wife who has had a couple of really urgent medical issues and I and she were surprised at how quickly everything was organised for her from initial consultation to physio 
Everyone appears to be quick to complain but rarely comments on a good experience. So thank you Westgate Surgery
GP surgery review: westgate-surgery
Title: Great nurses
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
I had a particularly good experience today with one of the nurses and it spurred me to leave this review.  I've never seen any of the GPs but I have regular appointments with the nurses and they are always cheery and helpful and make you feel at ease. 

I don't struggle to get appointments, they are normally running on time and they really care about doing a good job. 

Thank you!!
GP surgery review: westgate-surgery
Title: Reception Attitude
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: October 2022
My wife has to fetch, carry, and works very hard to help me as she is also my official carer. Also, she usually has to take over my phone calls for me as I get very easily muddled. So, it is not right that, after she talks to the surgery's receptionists on my behalf, often about something a bit complicated, she more often than not remarks afterwards that "she got a bit short with me". She does not deserve that. I fully understand that staff are under pressure, there are staff shortages, they have goodness knows how many patients to deal with, etc. Unfortunately, that is all part of the job. And I fully respect all the good work and help that the surgery does do and provide for its patients, so I always take a balanced view. But the receptionists must always talk to the patients with respect, at the very least. They (the patient) will be often worried, distressed, and looking for some support, and do not wish to be treated like nuisances. If a patient came into the surgery, was rude to a receptionist, and then gave an excuse that he was "overworked, tired, stressed", or whatever at the time, he or she would still very likely be reported. This must work both ways. Remember, "Westgate Cares". Thank you.
GP surgery review: westgate-surgery
Title: Amazing doctor
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: September 2022
I wish I could leave the name of my doctor but unfortunately it is not allowed. However I rang the surgery this morning after all appointments were taken, the receptionist informed me she would ask my doctor if she was willing to give me an appointment which she did. After the call a prescription for antibiotics and painkillers was subscribed and told to ring back if I developed a temperature or felt unwell. The service I received was first class. Thank you.