janduplessis886/england-nhs-gp-reviews huggingface dataset:
GP surgery review: central-surgery
Title: Diagnosed by receptionist
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: September 2022
I've been with this surgery for over 20 years and they've always been great. However in recent years its been increasingly difficult to actually speak to a GP. They now have an e-consult form as a first point of contact which i've used for the first time today and am not impressed. Completing the form takes an eternity answering the same questions over and over, however I did so and submitted it as I'd been in pain for a week and needed some help. After submission I received a message advising i'd be contacted by 6.30pm the following day.
I was therefore pleasantly surprised when my phone rang an hour later showing the surgery were contacting me.. I assumed with an appointment to either see a GP or at least a time to speak to one on the telephone..  however no, it was a receptionist who'd looked at my form and decided I needed physiotherapy! No need to see or speak to anyone with medical qualifications.. the receptionist went on to ask if I was in any pain (despite having said this multiple times on the eform).. i replied that i'd been taking ibuprofen but it wasn't helping at all and this was the main reason for contacting the surgery as the pain is keeping me awake at night. The receptionist used her medical degree again and said "ah well thats what a doctor would give you anyway so just keep taking them ok". 
I appreciate the NHS is under pressure but being diagnosed by a receptionist is unacceptable and being told, however politely, that there's no way you're getting anywhere near a doctor when you're in pain isn't great either. 
I'd rather have waited longer and actually spoken to a qualified doctor than being dealt with in super quick time by a receptionist.
Time to look for a new practice which is a shame.
GP surgery review: colliery-court-medical-group
Title: Lovely friendly staff member
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
Rang practice yesterday morning and spoke to a receptionist with regards to putting message through to GP not sure who she was but i would just like to say how lovely and helpful she was and very friendly. Credit to your practice
GP surgery review: colliery-court-medical-group
Title: Poor experience
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
No appts for over 2 weeks with dr so seen by nurse who explained she could only discuss one issue today as I would need to see a dr for my other concern.
She did correct a referral made in January that was not completed so delay for 5 months. 
Always been happy with this surgery but of late on my infrequent visits things are not the same. I no longer feel confident with the service.
GP surgery review: imeary-street-practice
Title: Fantastic practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2022
Absolutely brilliant practice.  I swapped GP practices from another local practice, due to being continually fobbed off and sent away.  I'm glad I did.  Imeary Street was recommended to me and I can't be more pleased with our choice to move.  Since December 2021, I have visited the surgery twice, for an appt and for bloods, have had a econsults acted upon immediately, was referred to hospital within 24hrs of logging an econsult. 
Everyone is so lovely, even the receptionists are friendly and approachable.  I'd recommend this practice in a heartbeat
GP surgery review: marsden-rd.-health-centre
Title: Really helpful and responsive
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2023
In the area and needed urgent prescription - my GP is not local to South Shields.
Contacted practice and triaged within an hour.
Other practices could learn from their systems
GP surgery review: marsden-rd.-health-centre
Title: Excellent practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: July 2022
Tram at surgery always very helpful  
Able to arrange an appointment with most suitable person promptly
Excellent standard of care
GP surgery review: whitburn-surgery
Title: Terrible
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: November 2023
One particular receptionist is rude. They have another two who are more pleasant but need to get rid of the rude, useless one!! 
It’s difficult to see a doctor and most of the time you get fobbed off with the practice nurse who then misdiagnoses. A total waste of time and resources.
GP surgery review: whitburn-surgery
Title: Very disappointing experience.
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
I have been a patient for 40 plus years and have always been very happy with the doctors and other staff. However, over recent months there has been a significant deterioration in all aspects of the service provided. 

I suspect that the reception staff who answer the phones are triaging patients and making medical decisions about who should be offered appointments. I rang 67 times this morning, starting at 8.30, before I eventually got through. I was then put on hold for 7 minutes. When I eventually spoke to a receptionist I had to discuss my medical needs with her and was then asked if I had spoken to a pharmacist. If I thought that a pharmacist could help I would have already done so, but the fact I was asking to see a doctor should indicate that the matter was serious. I was then told that all the appointments for that day had gone which seems unlikely since the phone lines had only been open for 14 minutes. I was then offered a telephone appointment for 11 days time. The responses from the receptionist were dismissive bordering on rude.

It’s a pity that the current front facing staff at the surgery lack the charm, helpfulness and empathy that was an integral part of the previous staff at the surgery. 

I am concerned that some patients may not receive the help they need in a timely enough manner because staff who are not qualified to make medical decisions  are deciding who should receive care.
GP surgery review: whitburn-surgery
Title: Excellent service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: February 2023
I completed an e-consult for my child and within half an hour the surgery contacted me for a same day appointment. I appreciate that this probably isn’t the norm but I’d rather wait a week for an appointment for myself so that young children and babies can be offered same day appointments. I like that they are always willing to put a parents mind at ease. There is 1 doctor I prefer not to see as I think she can be quite abrupt but understand the time constraints.
GP surgery review: ellison-view-surgery
Title: Impatient, unhelpful reception
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: November 2023
I have been with this practice for a long time, the Doctors are great, and e-consult has (for me) been a valuable addition to the way in which the practice works.  However, I find the attitude of reception could be much improved. I appreciate the pressures that staff are under, but I rarely ever leave a telephone interaction with one of the front facing team feeling valued as a patient or a customer.  Similar to other reviews here, there doesn't seem to be any understanding that a person may work, that appointments may be tricky to arrange, or that people may need a bit more time to think about what is being said or asked over the telephone. A bit more understanding and patience would go a long way to improving this score.
GP surgery review: ellison-view-surgery
Title: Problem solving
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
The young trainee nurse With whom I had a blood pressure check re-solved an issue for me. After a hospital investigation on a minor matter I received no feed back on the way forward.     
She advised me to phone the hospital. I was informed a letter had been sent. The young nurse confirmed it had not been received. She contacted the hospital and was able to obtain the information needed. GP was then able to issue prescription required. Without this young ladies initiative I would not have been able to resolve the matter. Many Thanks to her.
GP surgery review: ellison-view-surgery
Title: Had an appointment within 4 hours of making contact
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
I used the NHS app for an e-consult. I stated my symptoms and received a phone call less than 1 hours after submission my request from the practice nurse. They wanted a face to face assessment. I had an appointment time within 3 hours. I was seen, assessed and treated by the practice nurse. I had my antibiotics within 10 minuets of my prescription being written.
GP surgery review: ellison-view-surgery
Title: The best doctors
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: February 2023
I moved to this doctor’s recently and the care myself and my children have recieved during this short time has been outstanding! It’s been the best decision I’ve made changing to them. I’ve actually felt valued as a person and not just a ‘number’ to them.
GP surgery review: ellison-view-surgery
Title: Rude, unhelpful and waste your time
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: January 2023
I submitted an e-consultation and received a call from the rude receptionist, I'm sure we've all experienced her rudeness. I was asked if I could attend the practice that day, about 2 hours later. I was in work and explained this. She said that was the only appointment and when I told her I couldn't just leave work and would require either notice or an early or late appointment she said someone would call back. Several weeks passed and I didn't receive a call back. Another e-consultation and another call to be told an appointment was made on Saturday. I've turned up to my appointment, waited 20 minutes to be told it wasn't at the practice, but at another practice. I've came to the other practice who won't see me because I'm too late. 
Is it too much to assume that if an appointment has been made at another practice that you'd be told where it was. 
Now I'll have to go through another round of e-consultation correspondence.
GP surgery review: ellison-view-surgery
Title: First rate attention
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2022
Been diagnosed with gout on right knee in pain for quite  some time sample taken from right knee at hospital showed uric crystals given medication antibiotics painkillers not quite right but on seeing my own doctor and checking blood results over the last 3 weeks he sorted out all the wrong levels in my bloods took a great interest in me personally went through readings showed and told me what not to to and take even going to surgery on a Sunday which I thought was excellent knee still not perfect but is sorting out a visit to a bone specialist so all on all I have received first rate attention from doctor rahman well pleased with his personal attention,,
GP surgery review: ravensworth-surgery
Title: Poor
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
Tried ringing for over an hour no answer when ringing then goes dead. Tried online form only to be stopped and advice to ring surgery, but line keeps going dead
GP surgery review: the-glen-medical-group
Title: Rude, Busy and unorganised
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: November 2023
Our child had very painful earache so called to get an appointment, instead of a doctor we were asked to see a pharmacist nearby, after being seen we were prescribed antibiotics but it had to go through the doctor (they had shut) so had to call them the next day! 16hrs later and waiting for 20mins to get through the receptionist was really rude and told us they had not received anything from pharmacy so asked us to call them! We asked if they could as that is surely part of their job?! They never called us back so we called again after 6 attempts (don’t call between 1-2 as they close and you can’t leave a message!) to be told they could issue it today but couldn’t give a time frame, we asked to be kept informed (not normal practice with them) 6hrs later we received a text to go and collect only to travel there and pharmacy not have the antibiotics in stock!! Over a day and our child is still suffering with no antibiotics because there seems to be no correspondence between pharmacy and doctors, plus the attitude from some staff is unnecessary. We will be leaving the practice as soon as we can!!
GP surgery review: the-glen-medical-group
Title: Thankyou. Great service.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
Thankyou to a particular doctor. I had a telephone appointment a few weeks ago and a follow up today. This particular doctor could not have listened more, been more supportive and given very useful information both verbally and through links. Follow up appointment today. Very professional and understanding linked to my circumstances. 
Thankyou.
GP surgery review: the-glen-medical-group
Title: Best GP practise
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: November 2022
Amazing service, really helpful and listen to you instead of rushing you. Yes, it is often hard to get a quick appointment but that is not their fault. I've always managed to get an appointment either face to face or via phone in an emergency and if it's not an emergency then waiting time for an appointment seems fair. If there weren't so many missed appointments maybe this problem would be less of an issue.
GP surgery review: the-glen-medical-group
Title: Outstanding level of care
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
The care, contact, follow up and help from these Doctors is being anything I've ever experienced from previous primary care services. Without their attention and wish to help I'd have been left in serious pain and open wounds after surgery. 
They delivered well above what was required and went out of their way to make sure I was seen urgently by the appropriate surgeon. 
I cannot thank them enough. 

5 *****
GP surgery review: victoria-medical-centre
Title: Getting worse
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: February 2023
This used to be an excellent practise but is going downhill rapidly, given an appointment by the Doctor to see a nurse this morning only to be told on arrival that it should not be until April !!! My wife has been waiting for a prescription to be signed for a week now, still waiting !!!
GP surgery review: elm-tree-surgery
Title: Wonderful Practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: September 2023
Exceptional service from Practice staff and Medical staff very  professional and treat patients with respect and care.
GP surgery review: elm-tree-surgery
Title: Brilliant practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: August 2023
Elm Tree Practice is a really good surgery. 
In my personal experience the staff and doctors have always been very attentive and try their best to meet any medical enquiry I have. 
I would highly recommend this practice to anyone looking for 1st class medical advice or attention.
GP surgery review: elm-tree-surgery
Title: Excellent service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: August 2023
Got an appointment for the next day, saw an excellent health practitioner who dealt with my issue promptly and efficiently.
GP surgery review: elm-tree-surgery
Title: Excellent  practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
I am diabetic and this practice  has done more for me in the short time  I have been with you. than my last doctors of 15  plus years ever did for me keep up the excellent service be rest assured  that all my family and friends know about  the excellent  service you provide  thank you.
GP surgery review: elm-tree-surgery
Title: Brilliant practice and staff
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
Only being with the practice a short time and had 3 calls from the doctors regarding my diabetes the practice I have just left never not once rang me regarding my condition staff are really really helpful and always happy to see you would definitely recommend to family and friends
GP surgery review: elm-tree-surgery
Title: Joan Hargreaves
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: November 2022
Best decision I ever made to move to this practice I have had nothing but excellent care from the  Doctors health care professionals and receptionists nothing is to much to trouble for them I can’t praise them enough everyone is so friendly and helpful I would recommend anybody looking to register with a surgery to consider Elmtree Surgery you won’t be disappointed
GP surgery review: elm-tree-surgery
Title: Best surgery
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: November 2022
Absolutely fantastic staff nurses and healthcare professionals with lots of care understanding and professionalism and dedication they really give their all and are very happy to help keep up the great work
GP surgery review: elm-tree-surgery
Title: Excellent practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: September 2022
Couldn't  praise elm tree surgery enough all the staff are so nice and pleasant to talk to..receptionists very friendly..nurses and dockters make you feel very welcome and feel good as you have left .. best decision changing to elm tree surgery :)
GP surgery review: elm-tree-surgery
Title: Excellent experience
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: August 2022
I attended for two appointments, one to have my annual blood review and the other to see a doctor for follow up. The experience was excellent, the surgery very clean and fresh, both practitioners very friendly, knowledgable and caring of my needs and anxieties.
GP surgery review: elm-tree-surgery
Title: Felt welcome
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: July 2022
Compared to my previous GP I felt welcome in this practise, and not like a big nuisance. Elm Tree receptionists are welcoming, quickly answer the phones. I was never stuck in a queue. As a new patient I had a blood test with my initial health check, I was pleasantly surprised this was included. The phlebotomist was friendly and professional. Without this blood test I would have no idea I need to work on my cholesterol. I am very glad I moved to this practise.
GP surgery review: riverside-medical-practice
Title: Fantasticjoined
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: May 2022
Joined riverside begining of april 2022.could not believe when i phoned and a real person answered the phone, sorted a app for me quickly and very pleasantly and professionaly, doctor i saw was  smashing , i would recommend this practice very highly.
GP surgery review: the-dovecot-surgery
Title: Bad practice
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
I would just like to know why you cannot get an appointment except same day. You try to telephone but can't get through. When you do get through no appointments left as been given to people who queue. When and why did we change to queuing. Why are appointments given to those who queue and not by phone. What if you work or don't drive or are unable to attend in person due to a physical ailment. Why is the seating still social distancing but not in hospitals. I think it's ridiculous and burdens an ever busy NHS. It's an appalling state of affairs. I also wonder why time is wasted when you are offered a telephone appointment when clearly you have stated that your complaint is physical and needs to be seen in person. Clearly wastes my time and the doctors who then say you need to make an appointment so they can physically examine you.
GP surgery review: woodbridge-practice
Title: E Consult
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
Due to working full time I used E Consult rather than waiting on the phone and couldn't go into the practice. I received an automated email - 896a6895 with this reference number. This was on Monday 17 July. No response by Wed 19 July so had to ring up after work (defeats the whole object of E Consult).
Was told that she would speak to the doctor who had reviewed me even though I had had no contact?? Still waiting and its now the following Monday from using this amazing 'E Consult' - not working really is it??
GP surgery review: woodbridge-practice
Title: Disappointing
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
Felt complete mislead by the surgery, having waited four months for an appointment with a Doctor to take out and refit a coil which I was original told would only last 5 years. When I finally got the appointment the Doctor told me it actually last 6 years even though the document she was showing me stated the Marina coil would last 5 years and it was to early to take out and refused to do it as it was only just over 4 years . I had said I was going away for a year and was worried if it run over 5 years and I didn’t really want to get it changed abroad . Then I found out she’d wrote on my notes that I didn’t want to pay for the cost to change abroad. What an insult! I am now unclear on how long I am protected for.
GP surgery review: woodbridge-practice
Title: A GP Practice behind the times...
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
I am writing this review to express my disappointment regarding the recent decision by Woodbridge Practice to disable the messaging functionality on the NHS App for simple administrative requests. As an individual on the autism spectrum, this change has had a significant impact on my ability to communicate effectively with the practice.

Woodbridge Practice has provided me with quality medical care in the past, and the dedication of the medical professionals is commendable. However, the removal of the messaging feature on the NHS App has created challenges for patients like myself who struggle with verbal communication, particularly over the phone.

As someone on the autism spectrum, making phone calls can be a source of anxiety and stress. The messaging feature on the NHS App was a convenient and accessible tool that allowed me to communicate my administrative needs clearly and accurately. It enabled me to articulate my requests without the added pressure of verbal communication, ensuring that information was conveyed effectively and minimizing misunderstandings.

Disabling the messaging feature feels like a step backward in terms of patient accessibility. In a digital age where technology has transformed communication, it is disheartening to see Woodbridge Practice remove such a crucial channel. This decision not only inconveniences patients with diverse communication preferences or challenges, but it also raises concerns about the practice's adaptability to evolving patient needs.

I acknowledge the challenges faced by the practice in managing administrative requests efficiently. However, I believe that there are alternative solutions that could address this issue without completely eliminating a communication option that was highly beneficial for patients like myself. Exploring other secure messaging platforms or implementing designated time slots for non-urgent requests could strike a balance between patient convenience and practice efficiency.

I urge Woodbridge Practice to reconsider this decision and reinstate the messaging functionality on the NHS App or seek alternative solutions that cater to the communication needs of all patients. By embracing accessible communication channels, the practice can enhance patient satisfaction and demonstrate a commitment to inclusive and patient-centered care.

In conclusion, I am disappointed with the lack of communication options at Woodbridge Practice due to the disabling of the messaging feature on the NHS App. I hope that the practice will reconsider this decision and prioritize the needs of patients with diverse communication preferences or challenges.
GP surgery review: woodbridge-practice
Title: Rights as patient reduced
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: February 2023
I became a patient of Woodbridge Practice in 1971 on moving to Thornaby. In 2007 (16 years ago), I moved to my current address and remained with the Practice. Last week I received a text message asking me to complete a form for an ‘out of area’ patient. The form asked for my medical details and any serious illnesses (which the practice must surely already have). I was informed that as an out of area patient the practice would not respond to any requests for a doctor to call out and that if I was seriously ill, I would need to phone 111 or go to accident and emergency. The last time I called out a doctor was to one of my children in the 1970s.
It is very worrying to think that as I am getting older, I will not be able to access the same services as other patients at the practice. On reflection, I considered that I should start thinking about registering with another doctors practice and looked online at the NHS website. The NHS site recommended Woodbridge Practice as it is only 1.9 miles away and they are accepting new patients.
Do I register as a new patient to get the full services on offer?