janduplessis886/england-nhs-gp-reviews huggingface dataset:
GP surgery review: stonecross-and-west-drive-surgery
Title: Great turnaround
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
I have been a patient at this surgery for approx 25 years. It definitely had it's down days but what a turnaround. This surgery has new staff & a new way to book doctors appointments. I now do not struggle to get an appointment & always get through to speak to someone. I've been here a few times over the last 6 months and have seen lots of improvements. The receptionists are new, they are helpful, friendly & professional as are the doctors & nurses. It's a thumbs up from me
GP surgery review: stonecross-and-west-drive-surgery
Title: Lovely nurse
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
Had a blood test and the nurse was friendly and efficient. In and out quickly with no issues at all.
GP surgery review: stonecross-and-west-drive-surgery
Title: Needs sorting out
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
rang surgery  wed befor easter ,requesting emergy c o p d pack for my partner .it was declined ? for some stupid thing .rang back tuesday after bank holiday .got through told receptonist what i wanted ,doctor will ring you back here we are 7pm no call back disgusting way to treat patients if you cant do yhe job retire going to change surgery
GP surgery review: stonecross-and-west-drive-surgery
Title: Needs sorting out
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: November 2022
Have spent last 20 mins waiting  to book apt for meds review
Nobody is answering not acceptable .#
This practice needs desperately overhall of system
GP surgery review: stonecross-and-west-drive-surgery
Title: Dreadful
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: September 2022
I called the surgery for a status update on a prescription for my asthma inhaler to see if it was ready for collection. From 8.50am it took me 184 call attempts before I finally managed to get through, I was then on hold for a further hour and ten minutes and nobody answered my call. In the end I just hung up. My daughter and I will be moving to a different surgery. All I wanted was to see if mu inhaler was ready. It would have been just as quick for me to just go out and buy one. If I could I would rate this surgery minus 10 stars. Its awful
GP surgery review: dashwood-medical-centre
Title: Friendly and efficient nursing team
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: June 2022
Just wanted to share my appreciation for the nursing staff, always friendly and go above and beyond to help me whenever i need a blood test or need to resolve any issues.
GP surgery review: dashwood-medical-centre
Title: Long wait times on the phone
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: May 2022
Good practice with friendly staff, but only once you're able to get through the phone lines and make an appointment. The surgery needs to either hire more staff on the phone lines or set up a system where staff can call you back. Alternatively, an online booking system would be even better. I was once on hold for over 45 minutes and gave up as it seemed I was stuck on hold. On another day I waited on the phone for another 40 minutes before someone picked up.
GP surgery review: dashwood-medical-centre
Title: Good practice
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: May 2022
After reading reviews was hesitant about contacting the surgery.Yes I was on hold for 30mins and when got answered no appointments.But got a telephone consultation.Prescription, x-ray form left at reception for me and a face to face next week.
GP surgery review: dashwood-medical-centre
Title: Appointments
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2022
I have read through reviews here, focussing on problems encountered when trying to book appointments.
I visited the surgery to book an appointment and was told no appointments were available that day. Not expecting an instant appointment, I thought I could simply book for another day, to be told it's same day appointments only and the way to book is to phone in from 8:00am each day. All slots are booked by 8:30!
Telephone access is almost non-existent. No matter what time of day you call, you end up in a queue, sometimes waiting anything up to an hour for a response. We know reception can be really busy and delays in answering calls is to be expected, but if it's the only way to book an appointment then the system isn't working. Why not a dedicated appointments option in the automated response? As was mentioned in another review, how are people who work supposed to get to see a doctor? You can't just call your boss on the day and say you might be coming in or not, depending on getting an appointment.
I was offered an E Consultation/telephone consultation, calling 119 or 111. No. I want/need to see a doctor to discuss my problems and be examined, especially if the issue is physical. This system of triage just doubles the number of consultations needed. E consult or telephone consult would, for many, lead to an appointment anyway. Also, I don't want to have to write down details of my medical concerns and submit via computer, nor do I want to talk to a doctor or nurse on the phone unless it relates to ongoing treatment. If I could see a doctor in one appointment that would be it: seen, diagnosed and treated.
Covid is still with us. We are being told we have to find ways to live with it, but it seems to be an excuse for practices, not just this one, not to see patients face to face anymore.
The NHS recently ran a series of TV ads reassuring the public that if they have any concerns about a health problem being cancer related, they can see their GP. We can't, so what do we do?
I notice in all the responses from the practice here, there has been no satisfactory explanation as to why an appointment can't be booked in advance.
Contacting individual reviewers, apologising for the problems, if the name is given, does nothing to address the concerns of the rest of us who need and want an answer.
I must add that, once you can get to see someone, the care and attention given to patients is very good but if you can't get an appointment you don't get the care and attention.
The problem is not with the doctors or the staff as individuals but with the collective management decision to implement a system that doesn't work for patients, or address concerns about it.
It seems the CCG support this method of operation so I fear the prospect of any positive change is minimal.
I don't want a personal email or phone call apologising for all this, so I am choosing to remain anonymous. I, and many others I expect, would like an explanation here for all to see, please.
GP surgery review: dashwood-medical-centre
Title: Awful service.
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
Trying to get an appointment here is a painful experience. Wait in a queue (if you don't get cut off before hand) only to be told you cant have an appointment as they only book for that day. This is extremely inconvenient for those patients who work full time, even something so simple as booking in for the next day is unavailable which I find extremely dissatisfying. It makes me wonder how this disgraceful appointment booking process ever gets things sorted if you have to wait for "luck on the day" to even get spoken to. This system only seems viable for people who don't work and can just turn up when they give the appointment for that day. I wish I never changed from my previous GP Surgery.
GP surgery review: dashwood-medical-centre
Title: Waste of time
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
I have been trying, in vainly, to see a doctor, any doctor, for months but have never managed to speak to a human let alone a doctor!
It doesn't matter when you phone, at 8am, 8.01am,etc and the result is always the same.....the receptionists lists are full so try again later!
I am 83 years of age and haven't managed to see a doctor in two years and I'm getting worse with unrelevable back pain, inability to stand properly and now constantly falling over. So far I have been lucky not to break a bone or two, but it's going to happen!
I want to see a doctor urgently!
Help!
GP surgery review: dashwood-medical-centre
Title: Long wait on phone
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
I put information a repeat prescription on 25 February, and went to Boots to pick them up on 5th March,no prescription  received by them.Today I phoned the surgery as my husband was out of tablets.After being no 6 in the queue I waited 90 minutes and then decided to drive to the surgery.Half way there my call was answered,I was told the prescription  was sent to Central in Cliftonville.We didn't change the surgery as we had used Boots for over 30 years.The only time we used Central was to get some antibiotics prescribed by the hospital on a Sunday early evening,this was because we couldn't  get an appointment at the doctors and the e consult isn't  working. My stress levels are through the roof at the moment.
GP surgery review: dashwood-medical-centre
Title: Poor
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
Trying to book a smear test phoned line so busy number 6 in the queue..30 minutes later still waiting when finally got through my details have been passed onto a booking team ...why can the receptionist not just make the appointment so now waiting to hear back .
GP surgery review: newington-road-surgery
Title: Zero flexibility
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: June 2022
Issue with medication, zero flexibility from staff, was told prescription ( for chronic pain issues) had been sent to the pharmacy only for it to not be there, went in was essentially told nothing we can do go away
GP surgery review: castle-medical-practice
Title: Very happy with this practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2022
I registered with this practice in January 2022. It is now August and I am so very impressed with the service I have received. I'm elderly and ask some silly questions, but the receptionists are so polite, respectful and bend over backwards to help me - nothing is too much trouble. I have had a number of doctor's appointments, both face-to-face and telephonically and I have been totally happy with the treatment I have had from all of the doctors. They are all understanding, efficient and caring. I have been referred on, when necessary and treated by the GP when not. The doctors listen to me, the patient, and explain in layman's language what I need to know. To my mind, this is an outstanding practice and I am thankful to all of the staff there for their care of me.
GP surgery review: city-way-surgery
Title: Very happy
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: August 2023
I moved into the area a few months ago and I can honestly say City Way have been the best GP practice I have had for some time. Yes, it's hard to get through on the phone, yes the waiting room is noisy and busy but all the clinical staff I have come across have been amazing and they get things done. I have fought for years to get a referral for secondary care, this practice finally gave it to me. I use the e-consult service and although there is a bit of a wait for a response, the surgery always take action. This isn't the most local practice to me - they told me that I 'wouldn't get an appointment' but I'm really grateful they were like that because coming to City Way has been good, I'm finally getting the medical support I need to deal with chronic long term conditions.
GP surgery review: city-way-surgery
Title: never called back
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: August 2023
been trying to get an appointment for 7 weeks and when i call i am either number 25+ waiting or the call back option.
all i get is a text saying they tried to call me but i did not answer. well that is total rubbish and has happend every time i have called and used their call back system that does not work. it is now november and i still cant get through to see a doctor.
GP surgery review: city-way-surgery
Title: Helpful receptionist and useful e-consultation facility
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
After struggling to get an appointment I used the online service which meant a Doctor could help me with what I needed very easily and quickly. On picking up the prescription the receptionist was extremely friendly and helpful with some other questions I had too. A very reassuring experience.
GP surgery review: city-way-surgery
Title: Appalling
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
I help care for my 101 year old mum in law who is housebound, I cannot count the amount of times I have called/visited the surgery to chase up home visits, referral that was not done until I had a meeting with a temp practice manger on the 5th June. She was going to investigate why the referral was not done, arrange a blood test and organise an X-ray with hospital transport. One week on not heard a thing. No wonder they are in special measures. She feels like they don’t care about the elderly. I don’t think they care about anyone.
GP surgery review: city-way-surgery
Title: Rude and unhelpful
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
On the day Myself and my wife visited the practice, we were trying to book some blood tests for her, as these are requested by the hospital for an ongoing medical condition, the receptionist was extremely rude and belittling, asking my wife 'what she was talking about?' and that the surgery would contact her about the blood tests not the other way round. The receptionist was obviously stressed, but to take out her frustration on a patient is disgraceful. Meanwhile 2 other members of staff sat in the back doing nothing to help reduce the queue which had almost reached the inner door. My wife raised the issue with the receptionist about her conduct, and her demeanour changed slightly! Nevertheless this was an extremely unpleasant experience on visiting the surgery. It has made my wife feel very reluctant to try and get in contact with this surgery.
GP surgery review: city-way-surgery
Title: Good experience
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
I found the doctor  I saw to be kind, caring and thorough.  I was also able to follow things up with her.
GP surgery review: city-way-surgery
Title: Is the telephone queue real or just a recorded message?
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
I am beyond exasperated with this surgery, having had many bad experiences including having to repeatedly chase up ultrasound results for 6 months, only to be told they have been lost. Today is the final straw. I received a couple of texts asking me to contact the surgery to discuss medication and a recent blood test. Attempt 1: recorded message saying they are too busy to answer. Attempt 2: I'm number 30 in the queue so I press 1 to 'retain my place in the queue' and receive a call back. Unsurprisingly there is no call back and I receive a text saying they were unable to contact me and if I still need help I should contact the surgery. Despite the fact my phone has not rung once, I was expecting this as it isn't the first time it has happened. Attempt 3: I am 5 in the queue so feeling optimistic, I wait. 2 hours later and still no response I get a recorded message saying they are busy and then they cut me off. The icing on the cake is they have sent me another text during the 2 hours I'd been queuing to say, yet again, they had been unable to contact me and to call the surgery if I still need help. Unbelievable! This is without a doubt the worst service ever, and with competition from Virgin Media that is really saying something!
GP surgery review: city-way-surgery
Title: Appalling
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
Beyond frustrated! I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis last year and I'm prescribed two medications for it. Now I am under shared care, the doctor's surgery don't appear to be taking any notice! Last month I had to go 5 days without one of my meds, and now they have refused my methotrexate even though it's supposed to be on repeat prescription. So tommorow when I am due to take this particular medication, I will be unable to do so thanks to City way, and on top of this I am so worried of a prevailing flare up!
GP surgery review: city-way-surgery
Title: Appalling client care
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
Three emails, two phone calls and still an issue with my prescription hasn’t been solved. Reception staff unhelpful. Won’t even leave a message for someone to follow up the next day. I have to wait until that receptionist is back on shift. Prescription is for mental health medication which clearly is ignored. Don’t bother emailing in - they never reply. Go straight to PALs. So upset and disappointed at how little people care. The last few months I’ve had to pay double for my prescription. As the issue hasn’t been resolved. 
Disgusting service. Ignored. I appreciate everyone is busy, but 3 emails and 2 phone calls over a month? No.  
Unacceptable.
GP surgery review: city-way-surgery
Title: certificates
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
For the last 2 months I have been attempting to renew my certificate with this surgery, last month it was 2 weeks late, which has an impact on Statutory Sick Pay. This month I have requested another, and so far this one is a week and 2 days late. The surgery kindly informed me that the person who normally issues them left last Tuesday! In the meantime, I am left with the same dilemma as last month! Trying to phone this surgery is an absolute nightmare! Queues are often up to 2 hours, and even when I go to the surgery in person, I am not confident my requests are going to be taken care of. I am also awaiting conformation of a letter sent from the surgery on my behalf, I am still awaiting conformation of that. Why does it take what seems an eternity for this surgery to comply with a patients requests?? Since the merger things have rapidly gone downhill at an alarming rate! If they cannot provide the most basic of requests then why take on more patients. Gone, it seems, are the days when you could be reassured that your requests are taken seriously. As someone who has both anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder, this is not helping the condition at all, and is making the stress levels escalate! I am not at all confident that any contact I have with this surgery will be acted upon.
GP surgery review: thorndike-partnership
Title: Great Practise
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
I have only just joined this GP's and have found all staff including reception, nurses and Dr's to be polite, emphatic and professional.  Feel I have received a great service from them all.  

They have helped me and gave great information.  Surgery set is good, very clean, bright and airy.  100% recommendation.
GP surgery review: thorndike-partnership
Title: Helpful Practice
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
I have been with Thorndike for over 2 years. I have had positive experiences with all members of staff, always trying to be very helpful when I have a question. 
The receptionists are sometimes given a hard time but remain professional throughout. 
The improvement to the telephone system is much better. 
The GPs I have had dealings with have always been very good.
GP surgery review: thorndike-partnership
Title: Excellent Patient Support
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
Grateful thanks to the reception and nursing staff for sorting me out on a Friday afternoon with a short notice blood test requested for me by MCH. They were very helpful and patient-focused and I really appreciated their support.
GP surgery review: thorndike-partnership
Title: No appointments.
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
You can never get an appointment for the same day.  When you do get through, they always tell me all today's appointment have been allocated and to phone back at 8:00 tomorrow or call 111. You phone back the next day, and all you get is the same script. The last two occasions when I needed treatment. I have had to go private because I just can't get an appointment. I have tried to see a GP twice since 2016.
GP surgery review: thorndike-partnership
Title: Trying their best
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
It is difficult to get an appointment on the day, even calling at 8am. Getting an advance appointment meant waiting for a week, so it's difficult to understand why patients are still being accepted by the practice. However reception staff were polite.
GP surgery review: thorndike-partnership
Title: Terrible place
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
Once again impossible to see a doctor or even speak to one, thin you off every time. No compassion for people, get no help just didn’t even wanna try to understand or help, although receptionist tried doctor was not helpful at all.
GP surgery review: thorndike-partnership
Title: Useless
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
Can never get an appointment, unless stand outside in the freezing at half 7 to then be told at reception at 8 that there are no appointments left even thou one of the first in the que.
GP surgery review: thorndike-partnership
Title: A great experience
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: February 2023
Got an appointment today for my son. Receptionist i dealt with was incredibly polite. The doctor we saw broke everything down so that even my son could understand. I was incredibly grateful for the simplicity yet respect in which she spoke. I know my son was well looked after. Thank you so much.

The practice has very much improved but I must say, this doctor is outstanding. Today and each time i deal with her.

Thank you
GP surgery review: thorndike-partnership
Title: Nice and efficient
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: February 2023
The doctor explained in details. When I am not sure, she explained again slowly. Also she recommended a reference book to me.
GP surgery review: thorndike-partnership
Title: They're an OK practice
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: February 2023
Rang on behalf of my daughter for 1 hour yesterday 8 to 9, I was 72 in the queue, when answered I was told no more appointments. So I rang 111 they gave us appt & ended up travelling 45 minutes to a walk in clinic. Got seen by a doctor who said nothing she can do because daughter needs to be referred to the hospital & referral needs to be done at our surgery, so went there waste petrol for nothing. Went to thorndike told no appts & come back 7.45 this morning, we was 6th in the queue, got to reception to be told no more face to face appts left will need to be phone, I explained daughter will need to be seen & reception said doctor will call her in if needed. So got phone call from doctor to be told we need to go in & see her!! Which we knew would happen. So all this faffing about which is totally unnecessary! There needs to be face to face appts again, back to how it was pre covid! Just to add, the receptionist should not sit there chewing chewing gum & the Dr we saw was lovely!
GP surgery review: borough-green-medical-practice
Title: Excellent care but mostly remote
Rating: 4 out of 5
Visited: September 2022
My doctor is excellent. Listens well and happy to help in all ways he can. But I'm really sick of the long wait to get through to the practice and the remote working. Vulnerable patients need face to face appointments as often there's a lot more going on than someone can always express on the phone. If you're able to pick up the call that is as it can happen anytime within half a days slot. That's not practical for most working people.

If you call the surgery, you'll be waiting a good half an hour to get through, minimum. Then you'll get a telephone call a few days later and asked to send in pictures. This isn't quality care, it's poor. More needs to be done to improve standards again and treat people properly. I often don't bother trying to contact the doctors now, I either hope my ailment goes away or have to visit Accident & Emergency. As the doctors surgery is just inaccessible. For a country like ours, that's a pretty poor position to be in.

More reception staff would help at the very least.
GP surgery review: borough-green-medical-practice
Title: Fantastic, caring clinician
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: July 2022
I saw a lovely nurse today 4-7-22 at 10.20 for a smear.
She was so professional, caring, and showed so much empathy.
She is an absolute asset to the practice. I like to say a big thank you to her for making my experience a nice one.
The receptionist are so lovely, polite and helpful. 
Just wanted to say thank you for your great service you give during these difficult times during covid.