janduplessis886/england-nhs-gp-reviews huggingface dataset:
GP surgery review: park-surgery
Title: Avoid at all costs
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: June 2022
Having had a number of unresolved health issues over a couple of years I again presented myself for an appointment with my GP.

During the appointment his attitude could at best be described as indifferent as he reached for keyboard and said he would prescribe some medication.

I asked when I should start taking it and he somewhat patronisingly told me that the surgery was up to date, the the prescription would be sent electronically and that by the time I got to the pharmacy it would be ready to pick up.

I again asked when I should start to take the medication and he said straight away.

I then asked whether I should take the medication whilst I was in hospital.

He said that he had not realised I was going into hospital and asked me why I was going.

I told him that I was due to undergo surgery the following week.

He said he didn't know I was due to have surgery and asked why I was having an operation.

I advised that I was due to have surgery as the hospital believed I had bowel cancer. 

"Oh, I didn't know" he replied.

I then told him that the surgeon had written to him and that I had also received copies of the letters that he had been sent by the Consultant.

He replied that he was too busy to read all of the correspondence that he received but that now he knew, he recommended that I shouldn't take the medication until after I had left the hospital.

Quite apart from the GP's indifference which I found astounding, surely the way in which correspondence is processed should be addressed. 

Simply having admin staff dumping emails into patient files or scanning and loading them into files is not an acceptable process if the doctor doesn't read them.

If allowed to continue, it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt or worse.
GP surgery review: park-surgery
Title: Shocking service
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: May 2022
Not sure if the surgery has appointed a new receptionist, but recently, I have had such a shocking experience .My son(special needs) got sick and we took him to A&E ,where he had to stay over night and the hospital gave us a letter to give to the Gp to book a follow up appointment .The next morning I called and receptionist was very rude with me and said she doesn’t know what I was talking about that's after dropping a letter to them. I conveyed the situation to her and explaining that we kept my son off school so that he can attend the appointment She said they are on training and therefore are closed and can’t make any appointments for the day. This conversation was before12.
The next day my husband called and  the letter was still not processed even then . She spoke to the GP and offered an appointment @ 12 .My husband said, that we need an after school appointment as it is very short notice to go to school and take my son out . She then advised that in the notes it will be mentioned that an appointment was offered and turn down.
I have called this morning and the same lady picked up the phone and as soon as I gave my son's name, her tone changed  and very rudely  said to me was ‘is it worth it ?’ I was shocked to hear that she is the receptionist at the GP talking to the patients like that . She repeated her self saying ‘is it worth giving you an appointment as his dad has rejected the face to face appointment ‘. I explained to her that my son has got (ASD)and he cannot process the information that quickly so it was impossible for us to get him out of the school within a short notice period . I asked her again that since it is not an urgent appointment , we  are happy to have anyday after school . She raised her voice so badly almost shouting at me and said we have got a shortage of doctors and she cannot offer me anything Then came back after speaking to the doctor and said you have to bring him now .I said I just came into work  and to allow me some time to call school and ask to take him out and I will bring him or otherwise his grandparents who are closer to the school can take him out quicker than me but she didn't take it well, shouted at me saying, grandparents cannot attend the appointment . It has to be the mother . I said to please try and understand as it will take me at least sometime to come from work .She said come@12 then, said that it’s not available now. She said we are here to give appointments  as they come up not to accommodate your lifestyle! I was in tears by then and shocked I said ‘do you understand how insensitive you sound?’ , I advise her that we have been calling everyday since  the last 3 days but not getting anywhere . She threatened me that the calls are recorded and I did say to her that I am glad that calls are recorded because I want them to know how you speak to the patients .I mentioned that I lost my brother 6 months ago with the same back and forth attempts to get an appointment and not getting anywhere .
GP surgery review: westcourt-medical-centre
Title: Professional yet personable
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: November 2023
The nurse who did my HRT review was just a lovely human, a credit to her profession and the practise. Took time to be personable and its appreciated. Thank you.
GP surgery review: westcourt-medical-centre
Title: Great practice with great use made of technology
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
Following two severe episodes of a balance issue I contacted the surgery and spoke to a very helpful lady who told me about the econsult service.  As I did not necessarily need a face to face appointment this service suited my needs.  After completing and submitting the online questionnaire I did not have long to wait for a reply.  I received confirmation of my contact and received two further texts with detailed replies and information and advised that my prescription would be sent to my designated pharmacy for urgent collection.  I was fortunate that my illness could be managed so speedily and I did not need to use up a valuable doctors appointment.  With the pressures faced by doctors it is great that there are good alternatives to the physical appointment that can result in a very satisfactory outcome.
GP surgery review: westcourt-medical-centre
Title: A reassuring experience
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: September 2023
Huge dissatisfaction initially at the ten week wait to see a doctor, forcing me to pay privately for X-rays and treatment. However I decided to keep the appointment and was so glad I did. The doctor spent time with me, explained everything including the effects of the prescribed medication. He also enquired about my health generally and after telling him of a growing concern, he checked my records and having found previous results, he named a possible condition which he decided needed further investigation, a condition which no-one had explained to me before. He outlined the next steps and I told him I felt reassured and confident I was in good hands. I wish I could name him!
GP surgery review: westcourt-medical-centre
Title: Long delay for an appointment
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: August 2023
It is with much regret, that after being with the practice for many years, I have to write a bad report as follows:
On the 2nd August 2023, my wife had a blood test.  A few days later we received a text to say that our GP would like to discuss the results.
A phone call was made to reception, and an appointment was given for the 18th October.  That's 10.5 weeks later.  What is going on Westcourt?  I await your comment.
GP surgery review: westcourt-medical-centre
Title: The worst surgery ever
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
Constantly been given a different doctor, which means you have to repeat each time. Can never get an appointment when needed. Never follow up on anything at all. Always made to feel that I am an inconvenience when call or visit the doctors, yet due to my age its one of those things that cannot helped. I feel more stressed by calling the doctors than anything else.
GP surgery review: westcourt-medical-centre
Title: Great
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
I found blood in my poo, rang doctors was seen by doctor, had blood test, poo test, and phone appointment from Worthing hospital all within 3 weeks, thankfully all test was clear
GP surgery review: westcourt-medical-centre
Title: Outstanding GP surgery
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
Just wanted to commend the effort and attention that went into my mum being seen after she experienced a bloodshot eye that completely freaked her out.  We were looking at potentially having to go to A&E, but the receptionist couldn't be more helpful and compassionate.  She could clearly see that my mum was in great distress and she was seen by the most amazing paramedic who put her mind at ease, again showing great compassion and empathy.  Their quick action and care meant that we didn't have to traipse all the way to A&E, and they put my mum's mind at rest.  Thank you so much.
GP surgery review: westcourt-medical-centre
Title: Not good at all!
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
I have waited over a month for an appointment here. Finally arrived on time and tried checking in using their system and it couldn’t pick me up. The person in front of me took their time being served. I finally got to the front and I was turned away for being 15 minutes late!!! I have to now re-book another appointment. This is just totally unfair
GP surgery review: westcourt-medical-centre
Title: Will not see anyone.
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
Westcourt will not see anyone.
Not sure what you have to have to qualify an appointment.
I was having heart pain for weeks, and wouldn’t se me, sent me to a pharmacist.
Wouldn’t see my child who was in pain.
Would not see my other child, to look at her infected ear.
Wouldn’t see my wife to do her blood pressure.
My dads just come out of hospital and needed his bandage changing, wouldn’t see him either! If you go to the pharmacy in there, the doctors is always empty! What is going on? And when did it become ok to stop caring.
GP surgery review: westcourt-medical-centre
Title: Deaf awareness
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: February 2023
I personally have fantastic support from this surgery and I would recommend it to anyone. However, I attended with someone yesterday who is profoundly deaf.. The nurse was not aware he was deaf prior to my explaining and this was either because there was nothing on the notes or she hadn’t read them. His name was called in reception, but had he been on his own he would not have responded. The fact that he has to rely on a carer to attend a medical appointment is disabling in itself. Whilst I fully appreciate the need for nurses to wear masks, at no point did the nurse remove hers in an effort to communicate with the patient who is able to lipread. All communication was done through me. I did ask how she would have coped had I not been around and she said she would look into that for the future. This is the only occasion that I felt somewhat disappointed by the service Westcourt medical practice.
GP surgery review: willow-green-surgery
Title: Great service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: December 2023
Used e-consult for the first time.A GP phoned me an hour later.I was given an appointment that morning.What a brilliant service.I have had to use the surgery a number of times this year.I cannot thank everyone enough.
GP surgery review: willow-green-surgery
Title: We are so lucky to have such a great surgery
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: December 2022
I have had to ring the surgery re health issues a few times recently.  Each time I got through in a reasonable time. Each time a friendly receptionist has immediately sent me a text so I can explain the problem and attach a photo.  Each time the GP has either phoned me, sent a prescription directly to the pharmacy or made an appointment to see me. 
I find the text/photo system very useful, especially as I was away on one of the occasions and I could get my problem resolved without having to wait until I returned from holiday.
I am Very impressed!
GP surgery review: willow-green-surgery
Title: Total chaos and disrespect
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: October 2022
Flu jabs given as if jabbing cattle......Instructed to queue outside in the cold....when eventually entered, first desk could not even find the appointments. Enter for actual jab, no info on what is being given nor what medication being taken .....just which arm and jab. Next patient called in before my jacket back on. A disgusting and humiliating experience
GP surgery review: willow-green-surgery
Title: Access to a scan
Rating: 0 out of 5
Visited: September 2022
Today my elderly father had an appointment for a scan at Willow Green medical centre in Angmering West Sussex.  
Due to his health conditions and limited mobility he was supported by his own GP surgery to organise transport. The scan at Willow Green had been organised by University Sussex NHS Foundation Hospital.  
The transport crew were helpful and attentive and when they arrived at Willow Green they needed to access a wheelchair for my father.  
Unfortunately the medical centre did not have a wheelchair and the clinic room was to far for my father to walk to and the transport team could not leave their wheelchair. Therefore the appointment was cancelled and my father returned home.  
A further appointment for the scan is now going to be organised at the hospital. I really do not understand how an NHS facility does not have a wheelchair this is despicable and has had a significant impact on my father to now wait even longer for a scan.
GP surgery review: willow-green-surgery
Title: Fantastic service via E consult
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: August 2022
I have use E consult a couple of times and the response has been great from Willow Green Surgery. It is just so much quicker, easier and more efficient than trying to get an appointment and travelling to the surgery. I received a text consultation response within a couple of hours, you can respond with follow up answers to questions via a link and then receive a telephone consultation follow day. It’s great service.
GP surgery review: collington-surgery
Title: Rude Receptionists
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: January 2024
The receptionists at this surgery are extremely rude and degrading.
I would avoid this surgery completely, it's not worth the aggro.
GP surgery review: collington-surgery
Title: Inconsistent - poor service for repeat prescriptions
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: January 2024
Since learning of life threatening conditions  6mths ago following a stroke, the immediate care for which the practise and the local NHS systemwere excellent I feel totally let down over the Practises approach since to repeat prescriptions. My conditions mean I am am long term medication for numerous drugs and although I am registered for repeats actually getting them can be very stressful which given my conditions is very upsetting and anxiety inducing. 

The method seems to vary with who you end up speaking to and of course they all claim that what they are telling me to do is the “correct” way. The online system I was encouraged to make use of doesn’t actually work and despite reporting it to the surgery and their web designer/host this problem hasn’t been resolved in fact never even had a reply from either.  

Despite ordering the last two times over the phone as I’ve been told by receptionists and nurses I was told I have to submit requests in writing by a telephone operator today. When I queues this I was told “it is always been that way” (which is not the case and not my experience) so as my need was urgent (current pills run out in under a week) I asked to speak with the practise manager but only a note to phone me back could be made. I’ve no reply and now face having to order an emergency prescription at my pharmacy and making an appointment with my doctor to raise these issues and get my repeat prescription ordered. Surely I should not have to make a doctors appointment to sort out administration issues? 

I feel it’s not appropriate for any patient to go through the ordeal of navigating an opaque repeat prescription rigmarole which changes depending on who answers your call. Get it consistent, easy and transparent. Folk just trying to get on with lives should not have to have such a distressing experience every time. It’s a horrible and just not fair to patients with challenging conditions trying to stay well. It’s massively inefficient and reflects poorly on those in the practise working really hard to keep people from harm.

A previously good service serverely let down by poor and inconsistent procedures.
GP surgery review: collington-surgery
Title: Chaotic
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
I am surprised that all reviews are positive. This was an excellent surgery and I find it very sad to see how it is now. Not having call backs and referrals not sent. Seem to go around in circles.
GP surgery review: collington-surgery
Title: New Telephone System
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
I just wanted to say thank you for the changes you have recently made to the telephone system.  

When I first saw the post on Facebook that you were changing the system I was filled with dread, it's hard enough to get an appointment as it is and I had little hope that this system would be any better.  

How wrong was I!!, I called at 11.15am explained my health needs and had a text message at 11.47am asking me to reply with a photograph and then again in the afternoon at 3.45pm advising that I had an appointment at the surgery the next day, I don't think in this current health care crisis I could ask for much more.

Thank you.
GP surgery review: collington-surgery
Title: Such friendly staff!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: November 2022
I joined this practice a month ago. 
Such lovely friendly receptionists, nurses and the female doctors I have spoken with. 
Really efficient with prescriptions and quick with registration for my whole family
GP surgery review: collington-surgery
Title: Great practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2022
Have had amazing service from this practice, gp’s are all very caring and very informative and explain treatments precisely and would highly recommend this practice.
Wouldn’t go anywhere else
GP surgery review: collington-surgery
Title: The best GP surgery I’ve ever come across
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: August 2022
You never hear anybody talking highly of GP’s but this practice is absolutely amazing. They always have appointments available, yes you may have to call during the requested times but that isn’t a problem I don’t see why people make a fuss of it. The system they have for booking appointments works extremely well, I’ve used engage consult a few times with no intent to speak directly to a doctor and they always book in an appointment within the next 2 hours. Absolutely amazing, the staff are lovely and I think all the GP have incredible knowledge. Test results I’ve always had back within the same day, reception always answer emails asap and I just think the surgery works amazingly and efficiently. If it wasn’t for the staff here I wouldn’t be where I am now the doctors have always listened to me and not let down my symptoms, they’ve actioned everything. And I’ve been to this practice a lot and the doctors are always on time for the appointments and don’t have you waiting long, I’ve never had issues with getting through on the phone either.

Well done to the management and staff at this practice for maintaining an amazing yet efficient manner.
GP surgery review: collington-surgery
Title: Exceptional service as always.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: June 2022
Best GP in the area, highly qualified doctors who know what they're talking about and great service to patients.
GP surgery review: collington-surgery
Title: The Best Surgery in Bexhill
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
Within an hour of phoning the surgery I had a phone call from a doctor and got an appointment for a face to face. All the staff are friendly, helpful, respectful and understanding.  I have been a patient for 27 years and have always been impressed by the service that is offered.
GP surgery review: little-common-surgery
Title: Excellent
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: August 2022
Triage work the receptionists do is helpful.
 I saw nurse  for treatment  after injury from a fall did not heal. Nurse kind caring and knowledgeable. 
GP is excellent but didn’t need to see him this time. Thanks to all. Alison
GP surgery review: little-common-surgery
Title: Excellent, authentic, takes initiative.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
Saw my GP's registrar and she couldn't have been more helpful. Picked up various issues other than the one I had presented with (which was fine). Am now on NHS diabetes prevention programme and in the system with Conquest Hospital for potential operation.
We have been with the practice for 7 years and are very happy with it.
GP surgery review: sidley-medical-practice
Title: Shocking practice
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
I moved to this area in 2020 and have experienced very poor service and low levels of patient care every time I’ve engaged with them. I understand the pressures faced by the nhs and wouldn’t say my practice in London was exceptional but they prioritised patient care and listened and responded to concerns.

What strikes me reading these reviews is that the issues I am experiencing are being experienced by others which is reflected in the rating of this surgery.

In summary the issues are:
- inadequate booking process/system. No appointments are available and the need to call the surgery at 8am and wait, on some occasions over 1 hour for calls to be answered. It appears the system has been designed to actively discourage people from seeking medical help
- prioritising telephone appointments when the medical issue you have requires a face to face appointment. 
- telephone consultations are at the surgery's convenience with no flexibility built in for the working population. I cannot just drop a work call to accept a gp call - I don’t understand why you cannot provide times, even approximate. If you are not available when GP calls, there is no follow up - I still have a medical need which is what should be prioritised 
- reception staff are defensive when you raise concerns, are intrusive in their questions when information they seek is on your medical notes which GP can see. On my most recent call the receptionist did not know who had management responsibility, Infact they didn’t even know what the title of their line manager was and made no effort to find out - this in my opinion was actively discouraging me from raising complaints. Their role is vital, but I don’t think they understand that they are a patient service and should treat patients as ‘customers’. Different staff give different information on different days which makes it impossible to navigate the system 
- the Practice Manager is impossible to get hold of. I have been trying to get an appointment with them for nearly one month - first they are not at work, now they have left. No one I have spoken to can tell me who has oversight and/or has assumed the ‘pm’ responsibilities in their absence - it is concerning as it seems chaotic, unnecessarily bureaucratic and  the surgery seems to lack management oversight
- today I just need a follow up conversation with my gp on next stage of investigation in relation to my medical issue. I don’t need to take up valuable nhs time - but I have now spent over 1.5 hours on something that should have been relatively simple and in theory the follow up should have been instigated by the surgery in relation to my presenting medical issue.

Gps are fine when you get to see them. The surgery needs to step back, reflect on concerns of patients and design systems that resolve what are systemic issues in the practice. They do not serve patients well and therefore need to be reviewed.