Hounsfield Surgery - Newark

Toni-Anita E.

My husband and I have been with the surgery since June of this year and I have nothing but praise for everyone. I have quite a few "issues" and the doctors have been so kind and helpful to me. Also the receptionists are all lovely, the phone is answered quickly and appointments seem to be readily available. My last GP in Essex was very hard to get hold of and the phone would ring for ages. To hold on for 30 minutes was quite normal. I am very happy with Hounsfield.

Jason H.

We moved here 3 years ago and it was lovely to move to a practice that actually cares. My repeat prescriptions are always on time and complete and i can pick them up from the front desk which really helps. Everytime I needed help the staff, nurses and doctors have been fantastic.

Nicole H.

Every time I make an appointment with them the staff I speak to always sound so annoyed that I’m making an appointment, and are really quite rude. And I’m always waiting an hour past my appointment time to see a doctor and when I have a prescription to pick up I’m waiting 20 minutes or so for that too, sometimes it seems making an appointment time is completely pointless

Paul M.

Changed to this Practice in January 23 from a Newark Practice. The service has been efficient and prompt throughout: no longer to I wait 3 weeks for appointments and the reception staff do not treat me like a second class citizen, unlike my previous practice. The level of care and attention has been exemplary at every stage of my interaction, from phone call to the end of consultation. First class surgery!

Dean A.

In my experience the doctors here are fine however the systems that the practice uses; for example taking appointment bookings at one fixed time in the day only, results in problems for many. I can see no reason for this policy and I feel that it needs to be challenged as it mitigates against working people who may simply not be able to call at 8 am.
Finally although I understand that the work of a G.P receptionist can not always be easy some of the staff do lack simple interpersonal skills, never mind humour or compassion.

Debbie M.

The covid pandemic has resulted in the removal of the process to book non urgent appointments ahead. This means all appointments have to be made at 8am on the day of ‘maybe’ being called back by a GP or if it’s serious they may then invite you in to see them in person. This puts pressure on everyone and it seems some of the reception team can’t cope with that and take out their stress on the patient on the other end of the phone line. Often rude and dismissive and speak to us as though we are criminals when actually we just would need to speak to a doctor of our choice. Often the female doctor who is excellent is already unavailable this day by the time you manage to get through to speak to the reception team at 8:10am.... the phone line has been busy non stop til then. So you are spoken to rudely and told to try again another day. To then repeat the process. It has taken me 2 months to get an appointment to speak the female doctor. Unacceptable! Must do better Hounsfield Surgery and your reception team need to understand that we are as much under stress in our lives as they are and do understand the process and their situation. However there is no excuse for rudeness especially towards your patients. We also have jobs and need to take time off to attend the surgery. Not helpful therefore when appointments are cancelled with no notice! The nurses and the doctors are very friendly and Dr Malone is exceptional, as was Dr Clark but she left recently which was a great shame as she was my doctor and I had a good rapport with her but I knew nothing about her departure.

Tina M.

Telephoned the surgery to see if they were taking on new patients, only to be told by the very abrupt and rude receptionist that "its no bed of roses here". She continued by saying that you will not get a fast appointment here, despite the fact that i had not even suggested that appointment times were an issue at our current surgery. I think it is time this lady realised she is in a "customer" facing role and as such should, at least, be approachable. Not a good representative for the Practice. In the end I said "if you don't want new patients i will go elsewhere" and ended the call.
She was an absolute disgrace and sounded old enough to know better!

Simon H.

Well, spoke to Doctor about health issue she was very helpful, said book in for a blood test.....can only do bloods between 7.30 and 1 weekdays....what about those that have to work So got to wait 7 weeks now for a test during half term...

Update 19/04/23
Phoned again yesterday to book an appointment to just speak to a doctor as I realise trying to see one now is hopeless. To be told you have to ring back at 08.00am ,I explained I just wanted to make an appointment?...no word of when would you like it! I cannot phone at 08.00am as I drive and don't use my phone whilst driving
Got my appointment after saying the same thing twice 15/05/23....which is fine. Why don't they just ask when would you like the appointment? It really feels like they are trying to put you off appointments, and I don't appreciate being asked what is the nature of your call!..and the Doctor will call some time after 09.30, well hopefully I'm not driving.