janduplessis886/england-nhs-gp-reviews huggingface dataset:
GP surgery review: temple-sowerby-medical-practice
Title: Good, but in Steady Decline
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: September 2022
I've always previously rated this surgery. Pre-Covid, you could regularly phone and get a same day appointment, generally see the same GP and receive great all round service. 

Post-Covid however, there has been a serious decline in their performance. There appears to be a refusal to take requests on the phone, instead being directed to their online request, which of course is offline out of hours and sometimes offline during the working day. Once you do manage to make a request, you're in for a couple of days wait to receive a phone call. You're lucky if it's a doctor, there now seems to be a growing trend of being fobbed off to a nurse, or even an external pharmacist.

Even trying to send paperwork by email appears too difficult for them, and they refuse to provide an email address, insisting you drop them off in person at the surgery. What a waste of time, effort, fuel and emissions.

Overall, I still do rate the care I receive off the doctors, but the layers of bureaucracy in getting to speak to one, is becoming a great source of frustration, disappointment and unnecessary hypertension.
GP surgery review: the-lakes-medical-practice
Title: Lack of understanding and urgency
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: December 2022
Unable to get a face to face appointment, keep being told I have to wait longer over my medical issues and that they don’t see an issue yet in the current time frame- explained numerous times and they don’t seem to understand how we know our own body and when something isn’t right. Also recently had scans which the doctor has, so I’ve been told, had my scans for a week and looked at them but despite phoning 3 times for the results I’m still being told there’s nothing they can tell me and to keep phoning back in a couple of days. It is apparently becoming a battle to have a GP see you and take you seriously.
It feels very much like the only way to get any medical help is to visit A&E which in turn results in them being full of people who actually need a GP and waiting times to be seen going over 4 hours.
GP surgery review: upper-eden-medical-practice
Title: Easily accessible friendly practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
I've had no issues. I can get through to speak to someone easily. Call backs and same day emergency appointments available if necessary. Routine GP appointments take a couple of weeks but that's about the better side of usual these days. Everyone is lovely and helpful at UEMP. I consider myself lucky to have this as my practice especially when I speak to friends from other areas with regards theirs
GP surgery review: cambridge-medical-group
Title: Poor communication skills
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: November 2023
I haven’t been registered at this surgery long but the communication is poor. Had a receptionist tell me my thyroid was borderline after recent bloods but when I started to query it she got defensive and told me she couldn’t discuss test results as she was a receptionist. Patients want to know about their health so it would be much more helpful to get someone to call patients who can discuss what test results mean as I finished that phone call not knowing what is happening with my thyroid. I had an appointment booked but got a reminder text which stated a different time so I called the surgery and the receptionist said “no it’s definitely that time”. I explained I wouldn’t have booked that time as I would be at work and require later appointments. She then said the nurse had moved it as she isn’t working late that day and I had to wait for the next available late appointment which is delaying my medication. A better way to deal with this would be to call patients, explain the situation and discuss moving the appointment. It saves the confusion of getting a random message and it’s much more courteous. I appreciate staff may be stretched and GP surgeries are very busy however I work in the NHS treating my own patients and I understand the difficulties but I wouldn’t dream of speaking to my patients this way. When reception is your first point of contact on your patient journey, communication is extremely important.
GP surgery review: cambridge-medical-group
Title: Utter bad service
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
I am a patient of this GP where i never get appointments if i call after 8 am even though i want to book in advance they say they dont do future bookings after 8am. 
And when i call at 8am i have to call 71x and more from 8am to whenever their line says “ not busy” 
And when you call before 8 or till 8:02 i get that the gp is closed. 

You fill out an e consultation and they come back to say i need to call at 8am . Shambolic just to get an appointment with a Dr.
GP surgery review: cambridge-medical-group
Title: Terrible access and no care
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
Finding it hard to have any help from this appalling practice. Can’t get through on the phone. E consult is switched off for the entirety of the bank holiday weekend. To be switched on again at 8am Tuesday! Begin the long winded econsult at 8 Tuesday but during the time it takes to answer the numerous questions this is switched off. Leaving it then too late to call for an appointment! Use the urgent care centre so wait there 4 hours to be told that the gp surgery is the only route to access the services I need in a timely manner. Econsult is again switched off until 12.01 am. Stay up till this time and at 12.05 get a message saying the practice are no longer accepting requests. I will try again at 8 to call but have no faith whatsoever in this surgery
GP surgery review: cambridge-medical-group
Title: Awful service
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: February 2023
I came to the surgery with symptoms of tonsillitis I told the doctor I might have tonsillitis she totally disregarded this didn’t even check if possibly was tonsillitis, she just quickly checked my ear and throat and asked me to call my dentist, I then went to my dentist who advised me to go back to the doctors as he was certain I did have tonsillitis, I then had to go to North Tees Urgent Care who checked properly and prescribed me with the correct medication. This is surgery is pointless and a waste of time the doctor was clearly in a rush to be elsewhere, I will be leaving this surgery effective immediately
GP surgery review: cambridge-medical-group
Title: Good service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2023
Recently,I ran out completely of my emergency heart attack spray.I contacted the surgery and the receptionist and prescriptions clerk sorted out the problem immediately. Prescription sent to the pharmacy the same afternoon. Thank you.
GP surgery review: cambridge-medical-group
Title: Terrible
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: January 2023
Son has had repeated tonsillitis,went to the doctors told he couldn’t have any antibiotics until after the bank holiday.Called on the Tuesday and he was given an appointment but by this time he had quinsy and was sent to A&E as he needed to be put on a drip with  steroids as his jaw had locked.Had a similar experwince with my daughter and today had to call 111 for an appointment at the doctors as all the appointments for the day had gone but 111 could book me a appointment with the my doctors.They couldn’t and sent us to a walk in centre with a three and a half hour wait but who had no access to her records(this is a repeated problem that went on for months as I was having to email pictures to the doctor as they had no appointments so she it went on for weeks).Have emailed and will have to try and call again tomorrow as e consult isn’t working.
GP surgery review: cambridge-medical-group
Title: Great Practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: November 2022
Recently joined this practice. I have had an appointment and my daughter. My appointment I was seen by a lovely nurse practitioner and I felt really listened too and valued and a referral sent for me. My daughter there was issues with my phone and the calls weren’t connecting through, I’d rang back and was transferred to the doctor and offered an appointment. I could have been told to ring another day due to my phone issues but doctor still made time to speak to me. Really recommend. Thank you
GP surgery review: cambridge-medical-group
Title: Well organised practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: June 2022
It’s a well organised practice.
Every medical request I have asked for has been acted on.
I am extremely grateful for the prompt service Cambridge Medical provide.
GP surgery review: normanby-medical-centre
Title: Excellent care
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: August 2022
Easy to book an appointment on the day, pleasant reception staff.
Was examined thoroughly, a test was taken to be sent off to see if medication was required. Very good experience.
GP surgery review: normanby-medical-centre
Title: First Class.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: July 2022
Moved from Thornaby to Normanby recently and this surgery accepted me and my wife as new patients, from first phone call to my first initial appointment absolutely first class from friendly and helpful Receptionist to really caring and informative lady Doctor, thankyou very much we now know we will be well cared for.
Regards Howard and Brenda Spencer.
GP surgery review: normanby-medical-centre
Title: Going down hill
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: May 2022
They used to be great and fairly easy to get into but since covid it's like mission impossible to see a GP took me 134 attempts of ringing to get through to the reception only to be told no appointments left that day try again tomorrow, unless it's an emergency. They also took off the Saturday surgery so anyone who works 12 hour shifts during the week can no longer see the doctor unless they prebook a day off. Most of the appointments are Telephone appointments so when you do get 1 you don't actually see a doctor in person it's as if they are scared of patients now very poor service
GP surgery review: normanby-medical-centre
Title: Impossible to get appointments
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: May 2022
I’ve been trying every morning at 8am to make an appointment. I registered in January and so far manage to get 1 appointment in may only to be told they didn’t have my notes yet, I’m desperate to see a doctor and no joy
GP surgery review: normanby-medical-centre
Title: Great practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
The doctor couldn’t do enough for me arranged a lot of hospital tests and there still on going . I feel safe in there hands  and receptionists are always helpful and very polite nothing is to much trouble . I only moved here 10 months ago .to be near family . I was with the same practise for 68 yrs . And I’m getting the same quality and care here Thanku Susan Byrne
GP surgery review: south-grange-medical-group-practice
Title: Never an appointment, receptionist don't help
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: August 2022
Receptionist will soon be out of their jobs. Ring at exactly 8am everyday for an appointment, if your lucky!! And wait in a que of 50 patients for hours on end. Appointments are always gone for that day. I don't want one that day I just want a doctor to ring me today or tomorrow I need a refferal for the 2nd time something I suffer with for many years so I don't need to see a Dr they already know what my problem is. Receptioniat don't put this into consideration ever just say sorry there's no appointments there so annoying. They won't be in jobs for long because we we all get sick and just book a e consult online. You get further!!
GP surgery review: south-grange-medical-group-practice
Title: excellent service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
rang for surgery as feeling unwell . got appointment on same day. dr was very polite and gave time to explain my concerns. I felt satisfied and reassured at the end.
GP surgery review: bensham-family-practice
Title: Amazing, friendly, professional team
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
I have been with this practice for around 30 years, there are others closer to me but I wouldn't go anywhere else. I have never had any problems getting an appointment, I have regular bloods taken and they can always squeeze me in whenever it is short notice.
The receptionists, the nurses and the doctors make you feel welcomed, they are caring and they listen to your issues. 
You really feel like you are a valued patient.
GP surgery review: central-gateshead-medical-group
Title: The Best Practice I’ve been to
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
A best GP Practice, I’ve ever been to. The receptionist are obviously super busy but they are the most efficient and friendliest receptionist I’ve come across. Getting an appointment with them has never been a problem. At 8:30am, I’d be seen on the same day. Which is really unheard of at other practices. 

The health care workers from nurses to GP, are super sympathetic and patient with me while explaining my issues. I did not feel rushed whatsoever and are very efficient and informative in answering all my medical questions. Particularly the nurses, I can’t praise them enough. The best service of care I’ve had.
GP surgery review: central-gateshead-medical-group
Title: how do you get an appointment
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
I recived a text asking me to make an appointment to see a GP. I called and was told I need to call at 8.30am for an appointment. 3 days I tried but couldn't get through. I guess I need to wait till its bad enough to goto a&e
GP surgery review: central-gateshead-medical-group
Title: Resolved skin complaint - great doctors
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
Our son had a persistent rash below his eye. Standard treatment did not work. Several visits, tests and Advice and Guidance from dermatology resulted in 2 new creams being prescribed, and within 1 day of applying the cream, the rash was gone. So pleased.
GP surgery review: central-gateshead-medical-group
Title: Prescription
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
My Consultant at QE issued me with a new medication. When it ran out showed details to practice to reorder which was accepted. Got a message later to say couldn't issue GP was going to write to consultant. After some period of time received message saying medication agreed and GP Pharmacist would issue. Didn't receive anything went to practice at first told couldn't have it but after showing authorised message on my phone it was agreed a prescription would be ordered. Received call later that day to say GP was not going to issue prescription but was going to write to Consultant. I pointed out this had already been done but was told that was the instruction from GP. I can remember when surgery was run by GP Without receptionists and didn't have these problems. God help the NHS.
GP surgery review: central-gateshead-medical-group
Title: good practice
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: February 2023
yes its hard to get appointment, as phone always busy,  this is not the reception fault as thy dealing with other patients,  
I find reception staff lovely friendly polite,   remember people thy just doing their jobs, 
some GPs are lovely where others i would not see, 

we all have the same issue getting thru and we all have opinions,  all i can say is keep trying to call.  

think all GP offices are having the same issue when you read about them, 

but remember be nice to the reception thy can only do what thy do.
GP surgery review: central-gateshead-medical-group
Title: Excellent service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2023
My husband has COPD and had a flare up yesterday, Sunday  22 January. Rang gcmc this morning 9.15, got an appointment for 9.50, seen GP and script for meds, honestly can't ask for better service than this, excellent, thank you very much
GP surgery review: central-gateshead-medical-group
Title: Above and beyond care by an amazing doctor
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: September 2022
My son visited this practice and the consultation was very thorough, everything was explained to him in an age appropriate way. The doctor he saw was amazing with him, he was becoming fearful of the treatment plan but she made him in total control and relaxed him immensely. It is difficult to get an appointment as the phone lines are always busy between 8:30-9:30 and pre-bookables are offered but with a waiting list. Whenever I have had telephone appointments I have always received them or a voicemail saying they had rang so communication is great but this medical practice. Always receive text message reminders which is great and I find the reception team nice and friendly. Outstanding practice with outstanding doctors
GP surgery review: central-gateshead-medical-group
Title: Poor service for making an appointment
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: June 2022
I did not visit the practice so the date is of reference as to when I've been trying to contact the practice.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to get an appointment.
I work full time my working day is 10 hours. I have tried for a full week to get an appointment, when I was unable to get through as there is no other way than to call to book one, I asked someone to drop my prescription off to ask for a repeat prescription.
I received a text after opening hours to state that a repeat prescription wasn't possible and that I had to make an appointment. I tried again at 8.30 and could bit get through, so I rang straight after finishing work and did manage to get through to the receptionist, to be advised that there is no other way to make an appointment and have to call back at 8.30 am which I did for over an hour again and couldn't get through. They did mention an appointment could be booked for 4 weeks time, but I'm not being disrespectful but why on earth should a patient have to wait that long!!
Most people like myself don't want to bother the Doctor, but I would like at least an online service where I can arrange and book appointments in this day and age.
After some serious consideration I have started some treatment (HRT) that was prescribed last year and kind of need to have my prescription before I run out, however it's not looking possible that I will be able to do this.
GP surgery review: central-gateshead-medical-group
Title: Awful surgery
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2022
I had to phone reception for advice and all I got was a sarcastic conversation about what I should or shouldn’t do. God help us if this is the future of the Nhs absolutely appalling behaviour.
GP surgery review: central-gateshead-medical-group
Title: Not sure about it.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
I have been trying to call them for ages but their line is always busy. It says it opens at 8:30 but when you call none picks it and around 9 when they do pick they tell you to call at 8:30 because that’s the only way to get an appointment. But it doesn’t really work that way it would be better if they pick the phone.
GP surgery review: fell-cottage-surgery
Title: Excellent practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
Phoned surgery for advice staff were excellent  trainee doctor very polite and concerned when she phoned  GP also phoned and sent nurse out to take blood next day results were good, I wish to say thank you my wife has recovered  bill moore.
GP surgery review: fell-cottage-surgery
Title: Grateful for my care
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
I just wanted to say a thank you and how pleased I am with the care from fell cottage surgery 
At the moment I feel people are quick to point the bad experiences of GP practices but the care I have received the last couple of weeks am very grateful for.
I received quick appointments with both the nurse and the physiotherapist at the surgery  which has resulted in a long term issue being quickly resolved 
So again thank you very a happy client
GP surgery review: fell-cottage-surgery
Title: Not impressed
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: January 2023
I had an appointment with the pharmacist at 1-40 pm I signed in on the screen at the reception and went to the waiting area , I was there until 2-10 pm and had not been seen I went to reception to ask why this was but the  reception was busy so at 2-15 pm I left as I had another appointment elsewhere I have tried to ring but was put in a queue and after a while I was cut off this has happened to me before and is very annoying as you have to go through it all again . I am looking for another doctors as I have lost all confidence with Fell Cottage surgery.
GP surgery review: fell-cottage-surgery
Title: Excellent efficient service from the team
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: December 2022
I am writing on behalf of husband and I to thank you for the efficient, thoughtful and skilled way you took care of my 98 year old  mother in law on 20th December. She had been taken seriously ill after coming to stay with us for Christmas from her home in Manchester. Your team in particular the receptionist,  got her an appointment that day, registered her as temporary patient, advised us how to sort out her medication and helped us stay calm when we were very worried. The GP was very gentle and skilled and quickly took tests and told us to go to A and E . We were astonished that the results and a letter from the GP were at the QE before we were, meaning she was seen and received the right treatment quickly and with less fuss.
After two weeks in hospital my mother in law is now back to her usual self and back home.
We have been patients of your surgery for over 30 years and have always been very grateful for your skill but especially over this issue at a time when we know how stretched you all are.

Many thanks again.

Helen Jones.
GP surgery review: fell-cottage-surgery
Title: 10 out of 10
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: December 2022
I’d just like to leave some positive feedback about my experience today with the Advanced Nurse Practitioner at the practice. I requested a telephone appointment to discuss my issue with sinusitis and informed the lady who answered the phone I couldn’t attend because we have covid in the household (I’m not positive but my partner and his young sons are) and I was instructed that I could still come in if I was negative. I explained that I didn’t want to put anyone who is vulnerable at risk by attending the surgery and insisted again for a telephone appointment. I was told the nurse would call.

The Advanced Nurse Practitioner rang and she was so understanding about my condition and has instantly given me access to treatment via a prescription at the pharmacy. She was very kind, compassionate and (unfortunately for her) has suffered with this too so was extremely empathetic. I explained that I was very stern with the lady who answered the phone this morning and I apologised but the nurse completely understood my reservations about not coming in because even though I’m not Covid positive I can still bring the virus in.

10/10 for patient experience and how quickly I could receive advice and help. Please pass on my thanks to the nurse, and let her know she is doing a fantastic job.

Thanks again and Happy Christmas to you all
GP surgery review: fell-cottage-surgery
Title: Often have issues with booking appointments
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: November 2022
After calling to make an appointment for our son we took the closest availability slot which was 2 weeks ahead. My wife who is a nurse had to pull strings to change her shifts so she was available to to take our child to the surgery. Less then 24 hrs before the appointment the surgery called to rearrange the appointment because the Dr had taken on other responsibilities at the time our our appointment. I’ve had to take an unpaid day off work to provide child care for our other child whom my wife should have been available to taken care of had she not had to change her shifts to make the original appointment. Very inconvenient, very costly….very disappointed, dissatisfied and annoyed.
GP surgery review: fell-cottage-surgery
Title: Couldn’t want for better!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2022
Been coming to this practice for many years. Got to be the most caring and friendly team! Nothing is too much to ask. They’re doing an amazing job what has been a very challenging time. Thank you Fell Cottage!