janduplessis886/england-nhs-gp-reviews huggingface dataset:
GP surgery review: fell-cottage-surgery
Title: Lovely Nurse
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: July 2022
I have just had a great appointment with a lovely Nurse this morning .
She showed empathy and understood my anxiety .
I was never rushed .
I will request her again .
GP surgery review: fell-cottage-surgery
Title: Helpful, professional and friendly Surgery
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: April 2022
Never had a problem making and appointment, as the staff is so accommodating and amazingly helpful. They always do their most best to give you an appointment soon as and based on your schedule. If in last minute need, a GP will always contact you right away or as soon as they are available. Thank you to all staff of Fell Cottage. So happy to be one of your patients. Could not find a better surgery. You are all amazing.
GP surgery review: fell-tower-medical-centre
Title: Terrible “customer service “ contact experience
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: June 2023
I feel I have to write this review for all the old/ vulnerable people who, given my experience at trying to speak to someone at Fell Towers ,would have given up or got extremely stressed. People who call the surgery are needing to speak to someone, they’re not “just passing the time”.

 I had tried for six days to contact the dedicated Prescription Line - no answers , no voice messaging , just frustration , ( fortunately I wasn’t needing life saving medication straight away ).
Eventually  yesterday, I rang the main Reception Line , and got straight through to the appointment waiting line ( 2nd in line - great). I was on hold’ “ the receptionist knows you are waiting “ for 25 minutes. Someone then answered the line , said “I ll put you through “ without speaking to me and then the line went dead . 
My husband had rung the line while I was on hold - he was second in line !!! 
Extremely agitated I called the Reception again to be told I was now 3rd  in line…
I also needed to make an appointment. Fortunately for me ,my husband was able to take me in the car  in person to Fell Towers . 
The Receptionist said  yes there was a problem with the Prescription Line ( get it sorted then) and seemed very embarrassed re me having to come in to speak  to someone in person . 
To be fair , she sorted the repeat prescription straight away and arranged a doctors appointment for later that afternoon. However there wasn’t a single person in the waiting room … 
When I attended the appointment later that afternoon , the doctor I saw was excellent . Gave me lots of information, arranged for me to attend hospital for x rays and went through potential follow up and options  that would be available. The Doctors appointment was first class. 

My main issue is , if you can’t get to speak to even a Receptionist, what chance have you got of getting your problem sorted / reviewed? My concern after experiencing this circus is that really ill people will not get the service and medication/ consultation they need - at that moment!!!!!!
It would  be wiser to transfer to a practice that had an efficient contact service. 

My husband and I are not ( at this moment) needing appointments/ medication for ongoing conditions and are both mobile .However if we did this would create so much stress for us  , not being able to speak to someone in the first instance. 

I  see from reviews that this has been , and still is  a major issue  at Fell Towers and I hope that this improves instead of being ignored .
GP surgery review: fell-tower-medical-centre
Title: Very thorough
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: May 2023
I have seen different doctors in this practice and have had excellent care from every one of them. The reception staff and nurses also have always been helpful and cheerful even though they are so busy.
GP surgery review: fell-tower-medical-centre
Title: Disappointing and unsympathetic consultation
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: March 2022
I had an appointment this morning.  I wish to raise two issues.

I was disappointed with the tone of the consultation in that it felt to me that I was receiving a mini-lecture (some of which contradicted medical advice given to me previously during a phone appointment by a different GP at Fell Tower and also by someone from TIMS on the phone and in a leaflet).

My more important second issue is that the doctor did not mention the fact that my husband, of almost 50 years, died six and a half days ago.  Considering that our surname is fairly rare, I thought that the doctor might have known about his death.  I had informed the practice, as had the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, St. Bede's Unit (Hospice).

Mrs. Geraldine Kinley
GP surgery review: fell-tower-medical-centre
Title: Apalling appointment booking service
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: January 2022
After hanging on for almost 20 minutes i got to speak to someone on reception. I could not book an advance appointment and as it was not an emergency, there were no appointments left for today. I now have to wait until Monday and ring at 08.30 to request a same day GP callback or appointment. Thats all well abd good but i'll be at work at 08:30 on Monday. The whole appointnent booking service is a disgrace.
GP surgery review: the-bridges-medical-practice
Title: Could not be better
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: August 2023
I’ve been with this surgery for a few years and always manage to get a same day appointment for anything urgent. Children are prioritised and I’ve been able to get appointments for the baby even when calling in the afternoon which was very very useful as a new mum. GPs are really knowledgeable and actually explain what they are talking about in plain English. They are really friendly and actually listen. Receptionists also have a lot of knowledge and have always been fantastic. They are a really efficient practice providing exceptional care to patients.
GP surgery review: wrekenton-medical-group
Title: Quick great service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2024
I just wanted to provide some feedback about the practice on behalf of my mum.

My mum had an acute medical issue at approximately 5pm on Wednesday night. She telephoned the surgery and the receptionist she spoke to recognised the importance of the issue and sought clinical advice. She was contacted quite quickly again by the receptionist and was advised to go straight up to the surgery.  She was seen by the duty GP and received treatment, which I’m sure avoided me taking her to the ED, later that night.

She has asked me to pass on her sincere thanks to the receptionist, the duty GP and the doctor who has been treating her of late.  She knows you have a hard time working in General Practice and that  you don’t often receive praise for the service you provide.

Please pass on her sincere thanks to the team members.
GP surgery review: wrekenton-medical-group
Title: Reception Staff very abrasive
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
I am with this surgery for many years and was always extremely happy being a patient there. However, the reception staff seems to have changed and that change is not to the advantage of the entire surgery. The reception being the first point of contact when booking an appointment, should not give the patient the feeling that they are a nuisance and this is what at least one lady manages to do. This is not a singular observation of mine, as I have contacted the surgery in an attempt of booking appointment since March this year and today finally managed to get one. On every occasion I felt treated like a persona non-grata, she spoke over me, when I asked her to listen I could the aggression rising in her. This is not a trait or behaviour I expect from the reception staff of a doctor's surgery and especially not when there is a lengthy explanation about abusive behaviours not being tolerated by the staff. Where the doctors in this surgery are absolutely brilliant, the new receptionist injects fear of having to book an appointment in the first place. Reading two reviews about this issue prior to mine, I feel this situation should be swiftly dealt with, so patients don't feel as if they are a burden. The lady in question should at least be made aware, that patients are her bread and butter and that is not her job to be a barrier for patients seeking medical advice from a doctor.
GP surgery review: wrekenton-medical-group
Title: Extremely Rude and Impatient Receptionist
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: February 2023
I am not a patient at this practice, but after struggling to find a GP, I called today enquire if I could register, as instructed by the NHS GP Choices website. I had been in touch with several surgeries that days, all of which were perfectly helpful and pleasant, but unfortunately I do not fall into their 'catchment area', so was directed to alternative surgeries. After a 40 minute wait to get through to Wrekenton Medical Group, I was asked to 'google' whether or not I could register and then apply online, to which I informed the person of my wait on the phone and that I'd appreciate it if she could check for me. To her displeasure, which was immediately evident, she obliged and told me it would be a 28 day wait to process the forms. As I tried to explain why I needed to see someone as soon as possible and was that possible (I found a lump in my breast), I was immediately and very rudely interrupted and told 'I'm not a clinician, I can't help you'. The persons tone was very curt, unpleasant, unkind and completely unnecessary, as I had shown no signs of aggression towards them. Considering the time I'd waited for someone to answer, I would have at least expected a degree of understanding, but was impatiently rushed off the phone.

I find it particularly interesting that one of the first things mentioned on their pre-recorded message when you call, is that they are a zero tolerance surgery and will not tolerate aggression or abuse towards their staff by patients. As a suggestion, maybe if this practice trained their staff in how to treat people with respect, empathy and decency, they wouldn't have such a problem in this area. Busy or not, manners and consideration cost nothing. 
I will not be registering with this practice and will be filing a more serious complaint with the practice manager and the local authority. I think it's about time patients were treated with respect, as well as staff, particularly those who are vulnerable and have genuine concerns about their health. 

Shame on you Wrekenton Surgery.
GP surgery review: wrekenton-medical-group
Title: Lack of care, empathy and respect
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: February 2023
Been with this surgery all my life and with the exception of 1 GP I’ve never had any issues. However, the reception staff are very different and very difficult to deal with. There’s one in particular who does their level best to antagonise patients, is rude and so disrespectful it borders on abuse which is quite ironic given the first line of the recorded message when trying to get through on their phone lines is to tell callers to be respectful to the staff. I dread having to make an appointment due to the lack of compassion
GP surgery review: wrekenton-medical-group
Title: Amazing staff
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: September 2022
I had to ring for an appointment for my mother, receptionist was very nice, polite and very helpful, she managed to get me a call from a doctor the same day, when the doctor rang she squeezed us in after hearing symptoms and sent us straight to hospital with a letter which enabled us to get seen to very quickly, outstanding service from this surgery, thank you.
GP surgery review: wrekenton-medical-group
Title: Quality practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: April 2022
I have been with this practice a few years having left a previous surgery in the local area as I was disappointed by the standard of care & constant locums. This is by far the best local GP surgery in the area. It was actually recommended to me by a doctor I previously worked with as she advised it has the best GPs in this part of Gateshead. Absolutely correct. The doctors here are really good, the admin staff are nice too & always pleasant on the phone. The nursing team are good too. Overall I continue to have a great experience of this surgery. Yes there are challenges due to Covid but the telephone triaging & consultations do suits me but I have been able to get face to face appointments when I have needed it.
GP surgery review: longrigg-medical-centre
Title: Monumental Covid vaccination error
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: October 2023
Surgery  full of people booked in for covid jab toady, they don't do them there is the surgeries answer.You show them the booking on your phone, which it states location Longrigg Medical Centre , no, it's my mistake I should have gone to another location. The other location when you get there say you have not got an appointment, it's at Longrigg.This is the worst if the worst as far as doctors surgeries go.
GP surgery review: longrigg-medical-centre
Title: Appointments
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: July 2023
Called into surgery today to make an appointment with a doctor, not necessarily for today or tomorrow willing to wait, however I was told there's no appointments available for the foreseeable future what is going on at this practice ??
GP surgery review: longrigg-medical-centre
Title: Appointment to discuss cholesterol cancelled
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: March 2023
GP asked to review statin dose, made appointment had to wait 7 weeks for it then cancelled, made another cancelled, the get letter due to unforseen circumstances cancelled , I do not know what to do next. They have slowly grinded me down over the years
GP surgery review: longrigg-medical-centre
Title: Rude reception
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: October 2022
I called Longrigg as I was chasing a visit by a district nurse and was held in the queue which is fine (only cut off once). I got through to reception where the person answered  the phone saying Longrigg no hello or how can I help. How hard is a simple good morning it’s takes seconds. I explained why I was calling and was given another number to call and I started to read back the number and I was cut off ( they disconnected the call again) . This I find is very rude and unnecessary. People call their GP for help and a friendly voice  on the end of the phone can make all the difference. There is some training needed on how to answer a telephone and there are certainly manners needed. Disgraceful service.
GP surgery review: longrigg-medical-centre
Title: Absolutely shocking practice
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: May 2022
Can’t get an appointment
Receptionist spout the same scripted message over and over
Can’t book an appointment in advance
Have to phone on the morning, by the time u ring all appointments have gone
Need to know a week in advance your going to be ill and need a GP
There’s no flexibility for people who work full time and need an appointment around their work hours
Can now book an e-consult which involves answering endless questions. If you miss the call from the GP you have to rebook and start the process all over again
GP surgery review: longrigg-medical-centre
Title: communication difficulties
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2022
Whilst i totally understand the issues Covid has created, being on hold over an hour with the phone still not been answered is farcical. even if you do manage to get an answer you are told all our calls with the doctor are fully booked you'll have to call again tomorrow. Why they can't take your number and ring you back when the doctor is free is beyond me, surely that would be more practical and efficient for the staff to manage than having patients  being neglected by been unable to get the phone answered.
GP surgery review: pelaw-medical-practice
Title: Reception staff
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: November 2023
Thankyou to the lovely receptionist this morning (2nd Nov) who listened to my concerns as a parent and went out of her way to help and support us.
GP surgery review: pelaw-medical-practice
Title: Impossible to get an appointment
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: April 2023
Practice keep sending messages out saying they are only seeing emergencies for the next 2 weeks, then when you wait the 2 weeks and try again, there are still no routine appointments.  I'm not sure what the problem is, whether it is wider NHS pressures, but sometimes you just need to see a GP and it feels like an impossibility.  There don't seem to be Walk In Centres anymore either - it's 2023 and people can't access medical advice
GP surgery review: pelaw-medical-practice
Title: Great Team
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: November 2022
I was in for a vasectomy which wasn’t something I was looking forward to but the doctor was really friendly and explained everything very clearly and made it not so daunting. They ensured I was as comfortable as I could be in the circumstances and kept me talking and distracted while they undertook the operation.

Explained the aftercare process really thoroughly.
GP surgery review: pelaw-medical-practice
Title: Excellent and professional throughout
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: October 2022
Booked in for a routine minor surgerical procedure for men. Doctor was very pleasant and reassuring. They went through the whole procedure and put me at ease about what was happening. Both the doctor and nurse were very friendly and chatty whilst they diligently went about their work. They made sure to regularly check on me during the op and it was over and done with very quickly.

Highly recommend the practice, who have always been great and easy people to deal with. Thanks for your hard work!
GP surgery review: pelaw-medical-practice
Title: Appointment s
Rating: 2 out of 5
Visited: September 2022
Had blood done 16th August told make appointment on the way out told by reception to ring in on the 18th which I did the told to ring on 23 as the book would the be open rang again to told the nurse was on holiday told yet again to ring back about the 2nd or3rd of September which I did and was given an appointment for the 12th of September a arrived at the surgery about 2/45 to be told I did not have appointment today to say I was very annoyed is in understatement I am being to think my diabetic review is more important to my than you
GP surgery review: pelaw-medical-practice
Title: Always helpful
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: July 2022
The doctors, nurses and all support staff are always helpful and caring - I always feel they’re listening and supportive
GP surgery review: pelaw-medical-practice
Title: Very satisfied
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: July 2022
Before I had my telephone consultation this morning I felt broken. After speaking to the doctor I felt listened to and heard and an appropriate treatment path was given. I came off the phone a lot happier than when I went on it. The reception staff are lovely too. I find if you treat people the way you want to be treat that goes a long way and they are more than happy to help you. No one wants to deal with rude people day in and day out. Well done all the staff for making it a lovely practice to be part of
GP surgery review: pelaw-medical-practice
Title: A vast improvement on my previous practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: June 2022
I decided to leave my previous practice due to multiple failings in my care; I made the right choice.  After being chronically ill for over 3 years, I saw a GP this week at Pelaw who was incredibly thorough in trying to find the answers I have desperately needed for so long.  And within two days, the test results have revealed those answers, and on the same day the results became available, I got the meds I needed.  This is the NHS at its best - and believe me, after three years of suffering, I know what Pelaw Medical Practice have done for me this week is truly exceptional.
GP surgery review: pelaw-medical-practice
Title: Minor surgery
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: February 2022
Excellent care and attention by all staff.
Doctor explained the procedure clearly and in detail. Both doctor and nurse were
very professional and had a pleasant manner too. I am very happy with the result Thank you .
GP surgery review: pelaw-medical-practice
Title: Can never see or speak to a doctor
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: January 2022
I asked to speak to a doctor on Friday 14th January I was told there wasn’t even a doctor to speak to. I ended up at QE on Saturday morning feeling very unwell. I am still unwell so I have rang pelaw doctors today 17th January and still no doctors to have a chat with. I take heart tablets and I’m very out of breath I have also had cellulitis and my ankle is very swollen. I have a water infection and have blood in my urine as well. Why can’t I speak to a doctor it’s getting ridiculous now. I’m so worried about my health at the minute and I’ve lost all faith in my local surgery. I have never had any problems before but this last few days have been awful not being able to speak to a doctor. The public are told not to go to hospital ring your local GP but you can’t even speak to a doctor never mind seeing one face to face.
GP surgery review: st.-albans-medical-group
Title: Appalling
Rating: 1 out of 5
Visited: May 2022
Trying to get an appointment to see an actual Doctor at this practice is nigh on impossible, their telephone appointments scheme is asbysmal, you are kept waiting and waiting and waiting only to be told to try tomorrow
GP surgery review: chainbridge-medical-partnership
Title: Amazing Practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2023
Once again, the receptionist and GP go over and above to help with what is sometimes complex issues related to my illnesses. Sorted my issue immediately. Took the time to listen, were friendly and acted on my request. Thank you again for your hard work.
GP surgery review: chainbridge-medical-partnership
Title: Can't get appointment
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: January 2023
Saw Doctor on 10th January said a follow up appointment required in 8 weeks time.
Been trying to book an appointment in advance but unable to do so online as named doctor not showing on list. When I phoned to try and book in advance told to phone up 8 a.m. on the day as may be appointments that day.
If a repeat appointment is required why can't it be booked it in advance.
The current booking system is not fit for purpose and is very frustrating for patients. Especially older patients who may not have internet.
GP surgery review: chainbridge-medical-partnership
Title: Phone system needs attention
Rating: 3 out of 5
Visited: January 2023
Normal practice would be to say "welcome to Chainbridge Practice" or something like that at the start of the phone response.
The website makes no mention under "contact us" that you cannot phone between 12.30 and 1.30 pm, which is probably the easiest time for working people to ring during the day.
Simple things but shows a lack of awareness.
GP surgery review: chainbridge-medical-partnership
Title: Very efficient service
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2023
Ordered a repeat prescription on Tuesday morning 10th January. 
Repeat prescription medication was processed the same day.
Excellent service from the practice especially with current additional pressures constantly reported.
Fairly new to practice and extremely impressed with the efficiency of all concerned in my interactions so far. Clearly a well organised team.
Many Thanks
GP surgery review: chainbridge-medical-partnership
Title: First Class Practice
Rating: 5 out of 5
Visited: January 2023
I can't praise t.he 'Chainbridge Medical Practice' highly enough. My experience during a difficult 2022/23 has been dealt with in a caring and understanding manner, with practical application/results.
The input of every aspect of the Practice has been first class.
The team of receptionists exceptional, approachable and friendly.
Truly grateful,
Anne Cook