janduplessis886/england-nhs-gp-reviews huggingface dataset:
GP surgery review: barnard-castle-surgery
Title: Pharmacy
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
Pharmacy staff rude and not very helpful at all ,Staff need to be mindfull if patients have mobility issues who can't walk Forton ho get prescription from somewhere else.I get my prescription every month from the surgery due to me not being able to walk far ,And I'm being told to go to another chemist to get my medication cause they didn't have it in stocks,I simply can't do it,Pharmacy staff need proper training.
GP surgery review: barnard-castle-surgery
Title: Excellent service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
I phoned up to request enabling of on line repeat prescription ordering and a change of chemist. The receptionist asked me to call back the dedicated prescription staff in the afternoon as they had the expertise to help me.  However I  did not need to do this as they phoned me back to carry out the request having heard the earlier call.
GP surgery review: barnard-castle-surgery
Title: Hopeless
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
Called to make appointment at 0921 got all the usual recorded messages which advised me I was number four in the queue which sounded hopeful as quite often I have been in high double figures.
After nineteen minutes on hold instead of getting my number in 
the queue updated I was told I was number 1 and the recording changed to music but still on hold which lasted another 10 minutes before I actually was connected to a receptionist. I asked if my appointed usual doctor was available and if any appointments were available the answer to both questions was no and it was suggested that my appointed doctor would be available later in the week but I would have to phone at 0800 to try and get an appointment. Suggesting to anyone to phone at 0800 for an appointment is a bit of a sick joke the last time I tried I think I was number 47 in the queue.
That was the end of the conversation and so I decided that in future I would camp outside the surgery at 0730 in the morning with other hardy souls to try for an appointment with the actual GP I wished to see as soon as the surgery opens at 0800. This method has worked in the past but not pleasant in freezing weather or if it is raining. The other problem is that when you arrive at the reception desk you find out that the GP you wish to see is not available for appointments as they are the on call doctor or simply not in today.Could the surgery website at least tell us who is available and who is not I assume the doctors work to some sort of schedule.
So after being on hold for a total of twentynine minutes followed by a brief conversation nothing was achieved.
As a patient who has just completed a course of chemotherapy and soon to start a course of radiotherapy and not feeling particularly well I am sure there must be an easier way to get an appointment than standing outside in the cold at 0730 in the morning.
Perhaps the practice manager should review how the appointment system actually functions with a view to making it better.
Regarding my treatment at the surgery when I actually see my GP it is excellent the hard part is getting to see them.
GP surgery review: barnard-castle-surgery
Title: The practise seems to have forgotten what it is there for.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: December 2022
I have now been waiting 90 days for the treatment for the problem I have to get anywhere near happening. It took me two weeks to get an initial appointment. Doctor wanted some tests, two weeks to get a nurse appointment for the tests. Nurse could not finish tests in allotted time had to rebook for some, 2 weeks wait. Then had an appointment to discuss results with nurse, you can guess 2 weeks but he/she went sick so became 3 weeks. Ended up needing to talk to Doctor, another 2 weeks. The doctor obviously had no idea why I was there. More tests, 2 weeks but cancelled again as someone off sick. 2 Weeks to the rebooked appointment. Who knows after that? This is a well trodden illness not requiring specialist input. I wish it did need specialist input as it would be sorted by now. I just feel I am part of a process. There is no sense of urgency or caring. Strangely when the last appointment was cancelled the receptionist who called asked me if I wanted to cancel or rebook. So I was given the option of just abandoning the whole process. I just said you asked for the tests so you should be telling me. But seems they would rather I was not there, another one less, forget he is ill.

Contrast this with another problem that came up that had the potential to be quite serious a couple of weeks back. Rang the surgery, not a hope of an appointment within 10 days. So I went to 111. They were brilliant, caring and arranged an urgent appointment at the hospital Urgent Care Clinic same day.Tests done same day, treatment started same day. Supurb. I am really glad I could not get an appointment at the surgery it would still be ambling away or I would have ended up in A and E, one or  the other. 

The surgeries processes have become tasks and the patient is lost in there somewhere. They are too inflexible and too internally focused.
GP surgery review: barnard-castle-surgery
Title: Based on today, Excellent service.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: December 2022
I wanted to leave a positive review based on the service I was given this particular time, as I am very grateful.
I rang at 15:15 after collecting my young child from school, who had developed a sudden severe sore throat. I was seen with him 30 minutes later, and prescribed antibiotics for suspected strep throat / tonsilitis. So two hours after my first call, my son was recovering at home with the first dose of antibiotics in his system. I was extremely anxious but the lovely doctor was really reassuring. I am very grateful to have had this service today.
GP surgery review: barnard-castle-surgery
Title: Absolutely shocking
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: September 2022
This surgery is absolutely the worst.
The experience you get by just phoning them is shocking, you get spoken to like you're a third class citizen, no care from them at all, got through to them at 8:10 to be told no appointments again. I've had to now phone 111.. What's the point in having a surgery if you can't get an appointment and to be spoken to like trash, I'm absolutely fuming.
GP surgery review: barnard-castle-surgery
Title: The worst practice I’ve ever experienced
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: June 2022
This is the worst GP I’ve ever experienced.
Called at 08:14 and on hold for over 15 minutes twice before getting randomly disconnected when I was number 1 in the queue. Got through on the third time of trying, by this point I’m extremely stressed and anxious, only to be told that there were now no appointments left and that I’d need to call again tomorrow despite desperately needing an appointment which the receptionist deemed ‘not urgent’ despite me assuring her that it was. Amazing that somebody who’s not medically qualified can make that judgement, have some respect and empathy for goodness sake! Also found out that some blood test results I’d been waiting since June for were ready, they just hadn’t even been bothered to notify me about them, despite saying they’d get back to me about a week after having it done. Truly abysmal GP service that routinely fails it’s patients and puts their health at risk. My two previous appointments were also nearly an hour late each despite me arriving early for both of them. Avoid this GP at all costs if you’re able to, it’s disgraceful.
Update your phone system and make it easier for patients to get an appointment when it’s needed, please!!
GP surgery review: gainford-surgery
Title: Great Practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: August 2022
I have found all the staff reception, nurses and Doctors all pleasant, understanding, with a caring and and professional attitude. On the occasion I need an appointment I can always get one in a day or so. I have been with this surgery less that two years, I am so pleased I chose this one, Thank you.
GP surgery review: old-forge-surgery
Title: Good practice gone wrong
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: August 2023
I visited the practice for a review of two things, a shortage of breath and a very bad back, I was told we could only discuss one thing and what did I think was the most important, I chose the shortage of breath, it was obvious the Doctor had not read my notes as he suggested I could have Sleep Apnia something I have had for the last 30 years, at that point when told he said he would sound my chest, before I could undo my shirt he was pulling it up and almost pulled of the buttons, I had to ask him to wait while I undid the shirt.
 I was instructed to visit the Hospital for a chest Xray given a contact number and left to get dressed. Before I could leave the consulting room the Doctor was on a phone call to another patient , without a thank you or is there anything else I can do
I feel the Doctor in question has the bedside manor of a house brick and I will avoid going back to see him as I have now got to make a return appointment to see about my back
GP surgery review: valens-medical-partnership
Title: From ex patient
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: January 2024
I am an ex patient as I am completely disgusted with valens surgery. As a disabled person I always had to phone surgery. Hours and hours with nobody answering.Always being told person on other end had no medical training.
GP surgery review: valens-medical-partnership
Title: Awful Practice
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: September 2023
You can't book an appointment to see a GP or a nurse. You can only receive a phonecall and there is no set time for this to occur. So if you have a job, like most of us do, it is impossible to actually get to see someone. I can't answer my phone while I'm teaching and apparently that is my own fault. 
I very rarely need to use the nhs and when I finally do, the service is so convoluted as to essentially prevent me from getting an appointment. Absolute disgrace.
GP surgery review: valens-medical-partnership
Title: Getting through on the phone
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: August 2023
I was waiting 54 minutes to get through on the phone only for the phone to cut off. This isn't the first time this has happened. It shouldn't take upto an hour for someone to answer the phone. This is terrible, and knowing that when I do get through they will tell me to phone tomorrow! Unacceptable, but this is the best surgery out of a bad bunch
GP surgery review: valens-medical-partnership
Title: Problems not being addressed
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
Health professionals referred me to hospital. Hospital referred me back to Doctor, told to phone pm following day....tried x4 for 20 mins no response. Attended surgery explained no appointments till following week.  If anybody reads these reviews and is responsible for the managing of surgeries (not medical staff) you should be ashamed of the service and failing to rectify its problems.
GP surgery review: valens-medical-partnership
Title: Bad practice
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
Hideous place .....simply if you don't ring at 8 m you can't be seen . Having to take time off work to hang around by the phone incase they call 9 times out of 10 they don't. Get told to ring 111 !! Prescriptions are never given on time and no reviews are ever done. I find this gp practice appalling.
GP surgery review: valens-medical-partnership
Title: Caring dedicated team
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
I have accompanied my friend to his recent appointments with Lana here and quite honestly I think the help provided has been absolutely first class. Caring attentive prompt great empathy and made me proud to be a taxpayer for over 40 years. Have patience people these are people too! 
My friend lost his son in a horrific car accident and was on the verge of suicide with other ailments too. He’s now in a much better frame of mind thanks to the service provided here. Yes the call queue was long but have patience! It’s not McDonald’s
GP surgery review: valens-medical-partnership
Title: Getting Better
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
Now I have gotten used to using the NHS App, the service has been second to none. Receptionists are under a lot of strain -please be kind to them they are doing their best. New system not as good as the old one but all surgeries using it now so no surgery seems any better with it than the others.
All the staff - reception, gps paramedics etc second to none
GP surgery review: valens-medical-partnership
Title: Impersonal service
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
Appointments are difficult to get ( which I appreciate is reflected nationally) however the general “vibe” of the whole practice seems one of disinterest with new signage placed asking patients to use machines to register and no means of querying things unless you email/ have a lengthy phone wait. Once again the phone system is off putting and inaccessible for those who do not have access to phones during working hours or those who are elderly or have additional needs.
In addition there is no “in house” complaints system for minor issues - in effect no way of making the practice aware of their patient’s viewpoint without escalating things to a formal complaint which is a) inappropriate b) costly for the NHS and c) unlikely to improve matters going forward. Having said this, it is unfortunate for the staff as due to the limitations of the system, they must bear the brunt of the complaints and concerns.
If I were to make a complaint for example in a shop or restaurant - generally you can speak to someone or email directly. Thus customers feel that they are heard. This is not the fault of the staff but the management structure and systems in place.
I have waited several weeks for a routine appointment only to be told that it wasn’t needed, therefore resulting in time off work and time spent booking the appointment wasted ( in addition to the health professional’s time).
GP surgery review: valens-medical-partnership
Title: No service
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
Literally can't get in touch with anyone.  Phoning they don't answer or cut you off. Go online and it says no more requests.  Popped to surgery, receptionist finished conversation before acknowledging I was there only to be told she couldn't help as it was too late and to phone. It was 4.30 in the afternoon, supposedly peak time and there wasn't one person in the waiting room.
GP surgery review: valens-medical-partnership
Title: Wait times on hold
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
Currently the website service is down for ‘Easter holidays’ however this is on the Tuesday which is a working day. I have now been attempting contact for 2:26 with an hour and a half of this being unable to connect as it shows ‘user busy’ I have now connected and am still on hold an hour and 10 minutes later. I understand a high demand after practice being closed for bank holidays but surely this is accounted for. Serious symptoms may be missed if people don’t have hours to be dedicated to getting in contact. There are multiple branches and not enough phone operators to handle the patient size.
GP surgery review: bewicke-medical-centre
Title: Reception
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
I was wondering if there was anybody at the reception desk. I’ve pressed no5 just after 2.37pm no answer n was still waiting after 10minutes 4 seconds.Rang again pressed no2 n they appreciate my patience at this busy time currently waiting on hold 8 minutes 47 seconds.Btw change that dreadful music please
GP surgery review: bewicke-medical-centre
Title: Dreadful manners off receptionist
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
After being on hold since 3.19pm my call was eventually answered at 4.43pm. I explained the situation only to be told that I didn’t  ring yesterday and request a script for zopiclone. I stated I had only to be told I hadn’t and that the request was put in this morning coz mandy saw it. After asking who gave mandy the request the receptionist knew that it had been me the day before. Very rude after explaining I’d been on hold since 3.19pm for her to say to me well I’ve only got you down for 5 mins! I had been ringing since 3.19pm and tried every single line 1,2,3,4 & 5 continuously since that time.After feeling so depressed n low before trying to get an app also,I now felt even lower.I found receptionist very condescending n patronising
GP surgery review: bewicke-medical-centre
Title: Booking appointments
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: January 2023
Rang to book an appointment, tried to pre book appointment as my problem was not urgent and did not want to take an appointment on the day that someone urgently needed.  Was told that the surgery did not make pre bookable appointments after 2pm and I would have to ring on the day or she could offer me an appointment before 2pm.  I explained I worked until 4pm so this would be no good.  I explained that I have previously rang on the day for an appointment and unable to get through or when I did I there was no appointments left and told to ring back.  I was not offered any alternative.  Looks like I will have to put a holiday request in at work so I can get a doctors appointment.  Not sure why they cannot give you an appointment after 2pm when the surgery is open?  I find Bewicke very hit and miss when dealing with them.  I have in the last year had a cancer diagnosis and treatment and can not thank them enough for there fast action on arranging hospital referrals etc.  Things could have been very different if they did not act as quick as they did.  A big thank you for that.
GP surgery review: park-road-medical-pract
Title: Worst practice ever
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
You may be surprised that a new state of the art medical practice would come up to high standards regarding the service that they provide, but this is definitely not the case. You cannot get an appointment until weeks away. You ring and are told that we’re be experiencing high demand of calls and that you are number 21 in the queue, and to request call back which when you do there is no call back! I’ve tried numerous times over the past few weeks and have just given up with the practice , and I am now looking at registering at another medical practice as I’ve had enough of the extremely poor service offered at Hadrian Heath.
GP surgery review: park-road-medical-pract
Title: Excellent practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: September 2022
I unfortunately experienced an unexpected mental health breakdown from July this year. I have received absolutely amazing care from Park Road medical practice. I have never had an issue like this before and a few times rang upset, every receptionist I spoke to was lovely and caring. The GPs and Nurse Practitioner were extremely supportive and helpful as were the mental health team. I have felt very lucky to have had such good help from park road practice during this time and are very grateful for their time and patience.
GP surgery review: park-road-medical-pract
Title: Blood test
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: September 2022
I had my blood taken at 11.30 this morning (21.9.22). It was the worst example of patient-phlebotomist interaction to date, and I've had many such tests over my lifetime. The phlebotomist was abrupt and had no sense of how to welcome and relate kindly to a patient. Her detachment was exemplified by her singing as she took my blood. She desperately needs training. I won't be returning to this practice.
GP surgery review: park-road-medical-pract
Title: Repeat Prescriptions issues
Rating: 0 out of 5
Visited: June 2022
My father is a man in his 80's with an eye problem that is quite debilitating.  
He has been trying now for 2 weeks, to receive a repeat prescription for eye drop, that are essential, form our doctors (Park Road Medical Practice)  
He has been to the chemist everyday this week to be told the prescription is still not there. He now has no eye drops left, Surely is can't take 2 weeks to issue a repeat prescription. I appreciate we have had a bank holiday but this was only 2 days  
I am sorry but I find this service is appalling. My elderly father does not need this stress on top of the problems of limited eyesight.  
This was one of the best doctors surgeries around but in my opinion is gradually becoming one of the worst.  
I know everyone in the NHS is under pressure but TWO WEEKS for a repeat prescription!
GP surgery review: park-road-medical-pract
Title: Unimpressed
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: January 2022
I have been with this practise since 1995 and with the doctors in park road before then ,since our practice took over Battlehill practise over the last 3 years I have had to visit the doctor twice,both times I was given an appointment in Battlehill surgery the first last year was with Dr Thomas who introduced herself as soon as I walked in and then again last week and I haven't a clue who I seen she didn't introduce herself and certainly didn't seem interested in the reason for me being there ( although she referred me to hospital but told me it was nothing to worry about !!) The point I want to make is if we are having to see Doctors at what is going to be a big practise when we move to the new building surely the doctors could at least introduce themselves or the receptionist should be telling you who it is you will be seeing as I never got a chance to ask as the phone was put down ! None of this is what I've come to expect from what was a warm and friendly practise who normally look after thier patients
GP surgery review: the-village-green-surgery
Title: Used to be?
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
I needed advice from a doctor but didn't get one face to face on the same day i called 8am was told to ring back Wednesday, after a spinal operation having trouble with walking, but willing to go with a friend for support in mobility was told by young receptionist to call back Wednesday this is disgusting after being there for 40 yrs. I couldn't see a G.P. my view in this situation was bad advice from staff, especially younger receptionist. Disgusting someone from management should look into this if long term patients remain their.
GP surgery review: the-village-green-surgery
Title: Great experience
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2023
Had an appointment about an intimate issue. The doctor I saw listened and explained to me really well what he wanted to do, and was very sensitive about doing so. Couldn't recommend enough. I'd been worried about it for some time and put off going to the doctor, but feel so much better today having been.
GP surgery review: the-village-green-surgery
Title: Excellent practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: May 2022
Can’t fault this surgery at all, staff are polite and helpful, doctors listen and advise well, plenty of good communication.
When I moved house one of my main concerns was changing doctors having been with the same one for many years, I had no reason to worry, I’m more than happy with all the services provided, if not better than what myself & my family previously received. 
An efficient, clean practice ran in a timely manner with appointments available.
GP surgery review: bedlingtonshire-med.group
Title: Caring
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: December 2023
I am a cancer patient and can say, I am more  than happy with the treatment and attention that I am receiving for this awful condition. Thank you for your endeavours on my behalf. Even with a lost cause.
GP surgery review: bedlingtonshire-med.group
Title: Absolutely Poor
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: November 2022
I've been prescribed drugs from out of the blue. They are obviously mixing me up with someone else. How can this happen? What kind of record keeping are these doctors doing!??

They are also very lax on keeping my patient record up to date, i.e. having things added to my record, i.e. saying I'm a smoker when I've never smoked a day in my life.

In general, I'd avoid this practice if possible.