Holbrook and Shotley Surgery - (Shotley)
Feedback Rating
Based on 76 reviews
Reviews (76)
Unable to book in advance
October 2, 2023
It can be difficult on the phone getting through to the surgery and then you can't book appointments for further ahead even when the doctor has asked you to. The doctor I'm seeing is really lovely but that does mean they are harder to see. Having to call at either 8am or 1pm means that you can't plan ahead when its an on the day system. I've seen the paramedic with mum and they were very caring with her. It's a shame that ear syringing is not offered now and I'm concerned about the amount of additional housing going up but as a surgery it is good.
System doesn't suit me
October 2, 2023
I find it very difficult having to call first thing to get an appointment as I start work early and can't phone when there.
Busy phones
October 2, 2023
There are 15-20 minute waits to get through to the surgery but I do get appointments and the staff give you the choice over a telephone appointment or a face to face. It is more difficult to see a specific GP but it's still normally in the week. I have found seeing different doctors can cause issues because they can have differing approaches. I am concerned how the surgery will cope with the additional housing going up in the local area.
Brilliant
October 2, 2023
Its an holistic practice where they try to do their best to get you an appointment when you need one. I love it here they are always so helpful and I've always been seen when needed, they are so accommodating. When medication isn't available the dispensary staff are wonderful and they sort it all out and make sure I've got what I need.
Marvellous
October 2, 2023
A very good surgery, my referral was done very quickly and the doctor I have been seeing has been great. They called me in for a check up and then quickly referred me on. Every member of the team has always been helpful and friendly. The dispensary staff are also friendly and are quick to get medication ready. The surgery could do with more staff but that's probably the same for most surgeries.
Very good
October 2, 2023
If I phone the surgery I get to speak to a GP or have a face to face appointment both of which have addressed the issues I've had. The GPs have been very good at talking everything through but I do find it a bit difficult to tell the care navigator why I need an appointment. When you're in the surgery its also difficult to have a quiet conversation with them as you can hear everything being said in the waiting room. The surgery have tried to improve this but it's still not great.
Amazingly quick
November 25, 2022
It's amazing how quickly you can get an appointment here. I called this morning and have been given an appointment with a doctor. I've never had any issues here and referral and care provided by staff have been great.
Happy with staff
November 25, 2022
The biggest issue is getting through on the phone which takes a while and is difficult when you work early in the morning and it can then be difficult to get back for on the day appointments. I'm very happy with staff and never have any issues, just wish there was an alternative to calling the suregry. They are very busy but I'm glad I've been able to get an appointment and have been seen.
Very busy phones
November 25, 2022
I normally attend the Holbrook surgery but there are fewer appointments available there. I phoned at 8 am and the phones were very busy and I kept being told to call back. In the end I joined the waiting list and had to listen to the really bad music for a while. Once I spoke to reception though they were great and I was given an appointment with a doctor who is caring and approachable. There are now longer waits to get prescriptions and if I put it in on Monday it won't always be ready by the end of the week.
Under pressure
November 25, 2022
It all seems under pressure at the moment and I think I've probably made my situation worse by staying away and should've come in sooner. I am concerned it is more difficult to get seen by a GP but I would be happy to see other professionals like a paramedic if that was available. I just don't understand why its so different since the pandemic. If the practice could explain some of the issues it would help understand the difficulties being faced.
